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 pictures through 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 produce and send him sexualized pictures 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 pictures 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 eventually 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 adolescents is a joint task, even in sports. "Therefore, all Bundesliga clubs must already prove annually 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, together with experts from the Ministry of Sports and 100% Sport - a center for gender competence and safe sport - it will be examined to what extent the existing structures in this area can be sensibly 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.

(APA/Red)

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