In a shocking act that has sent ripples through the tranquil coastal town of Medulin, Istrian police have made significant progress in unraveling a case of arson that resulted in the destruction of 22 boats and over €2 million in damages. Following a meticulous three-month investigation, authorities have charged three Ukrainian citizens, whose calculated actions on that fateful night reveal a disturbing disregard for both property and public safety. As the investigation unfolds, details emerge about their meticulous planning and brazen execution, highlighting a case that raises questions about security and accountability in popular tourist destinations.
After a three-month investigation, the Istrian police have charged three Ukrainian citizens who deliberately started a fire in the port of Medulin on the Istrian peninsula in May, destroying 22 boats, the Croatian daily Jutarnji List reported on Saturday.
Reconstructing the events leading up to the fire, forensic experts have established that the three Ukrainian nationals — two men aged 25 and one 28 — had arrived in Croatia from Poland on May 14. They parked their car somewhere around Medulin and then set off on foot to the marina.
Surveillance cameras showed one of them sneaking under the fence while the other two stood guard in front of it. At 4 a.m., one perpetrator threw a bottle of flammable material onto one of the yachts and the fire spread to the other 34 boats, 22 of which were completely destroyed.
According to the authorities, the value of the damage caused to the owners exceeded €2 million.
Police have issued a wanted notice for the three Ukrainian nationals, who are believed to have left the country immediately after the incident and are currently unreachable by the Croatian authorities.
Opinion: The incident in Medulin highlights a troubling case of deliberate arson that has drawn significant attention due to both the scale of the destruction and the audacity of the perpetrators. The investigation revealed that the three Ukrainian nationals had meticulously planned the act, arriving in Croatia shortly before the incident and employing surveillance tactics to avoid detection. The destruction of 22 boats, resulting in over €2 million in damages, not only impacts the owners but also raises larger concerns about security measures in marinas and tourist areas.
The use of surveillance footage as a key piece of evidence illustrates how modern technology can aid law enforcement in tracking down suspects, even when they attempt to flee the country. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential vulnerabilities that popular tourist destinations face and the ongoing challenges authorities encounter in maintaining public safety. The authorities’ ability to issue a wanted notice for the suspects reflects a commitment to justice, even for crimes that disrupt the peace of such serene locales.