Greek police deny reports tourist sought to pay for minor in Crete

Initial reports and social media claims

A viral video and subsequent media reports claimed that a foreign tourist entered an excursion office in Agia Pelagia, Crete, and asked the owner how much money she wanted for a 10-year-old girl sitting outside the premises. The reports alleged the man offered money to the employee to sexually abuse the minor. The video circulated widely on social media and in television reports, provoking public outrage.

Police investigation and clarification

The Hellenic Police Headquarters issued a statement clarifying that, based on current evidence, the actual events do not correspond to reports of an attempted solicitation of a minor for payment in Crete. According to the statement, during an incident at a business premises, a foreign national, reportedly intoxicated, approached an adult female employee and asked to meet with her. The employee refused and, frightened by the man's condition, notified the police.

Findings and next steps

The competent service carried out all prescribed actions. From the investigation so far and the preliminary investigation material collected, there is no report of an incident involving a minor, nor a complaint for the commission of any criminal offense against anyone. The employee did not wish to file a complaint. The Hellenic Police stated it proceeded immediately with the required actions to investigate the incident, aiming at the full clarification of the facts. All preliminary investigation material will be submitted to the competent Prosecutorial Authority.