Fan Merchandise for Nude Photos: Suspect in Carinthian Abuse Scandal Confesses

The suspect in the abuse scandal at a Carinthian sports club was arrested on Tuesday evening. The 22-year-old was interrogated during the night and, according to the public prosecutor's office, confessed to having persuaded at least 20 children and adolescents to send him sexualized images by means of payment and gifts. In two cases, there is also talk of serious sexual abuse. The regional court is now deciding on the imposition of pre-trial detention.

Football Jerseys in Exchange for Nude Photos of Children and Adolescents

With money and fan items such as football jerseys, the 22-year-old man is said to have persuaded children and adolescents aged 12 to 15 to create and send him sexualized images and videos of themselves. The public prosecutor's office confirmed at least 20 victims upon inquiry by APA. Investigations are ongoing, and it must be determined whether the individuals in the images and videos are children and adolescents from the suspect's environment, said Markus Kitz, spokesperson for the Klagenfurt public prosecutor's office. According to unconfirmed reports, up to 30 children and adolescents are among the victims. "It is quite possible that there are more victims," said Kitz, but the investigations must be awaited.

Theft of Fan Items Led to the Carinthian's Dismissal

Where the man got the money is also being investigated. He stole the fan items from the fan shop, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the club. He is currently in the Klagenfurt prison, and the regional court will decide on the imposition of pre-trial detention within the next 48 hours.

Bundesliga: Child and Youth Protection as a Joint Task, Further Measures Possibly Needed

The Football Bundesliga stated that the protection of children and young people is a shared responsibility, even in sports. "Therefore, all Bundesliga clubs must already annually demonstrate what activities they undertake in the area of child and youth protection - this is checked as part of the licensing process," emphasized the CEO Christian Ebenbauer in a statement from the league.

Furthermore, they will work together with experts from the Ministry of Sports and 100% Sport - a center for gender competence and safe sport - to examine to what extent the existing structures in this area can be meaningfully and purposefully supplemented. Sports State Secretary Michaela Schmidt announced that the case would be analyzed and carefully examined to determine if further measures are needed. "A first step could be mandatory, regular child protection training," said Schmidt.

Greens demand trauma-sensitive questioning of those affected

The state spokesperson for the Greens in Carinthia, Olga Voglauer, demanded in a statement the protection of children during interrogations. Following reports by the Kleine Zeitung about an allegedly non-trauma-sensitive questioning of an affected child, the Greens will submit a parliamentary inquiry to the Ministry of the Interior.

This inquiry aims to clarify whether there was psychosocial process support for the affected children and whether child-appropriate protocols and operational guidelines were applied, as prescribed for the questioning of minors. Voglauer emphasizes that binding standards, well-trained officers, and the involvement of experts are needed. "The children must not also become victims through authorities," said Voglauer.

(APA/Red)

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