Zadar County suspects detained for allegedly starting ten fires

arson investigation Zadar County investigative detention wildfires terrorism investigation

Four individuals, including three Croatian men and one Polish woman, have been placed in investigative detention in Zadar following a series of intentional fires across ten locations in the Zadar County region. The suspects, who allegedly used lighters to ignite dry grass along roads, have partially confessed to the acts.

During searches of the suspects' homes and vehicles, police seized a semi-automatic rifle and a pistol along with ammunition. The fires caused significant material damage, including the destruction of a parked vehicle and dozens of olive trees.

Investigative judge Hrvoje Visković stated that while the current charge is for a serious offense against public safety, the investigation is examining whether the acts could be reclassified as terrorism. The suspects were detained for one month due to risks of witness influence and potential flight, particularly as one suspect holds dual Croatian and Serbian citizenship. Authorities are also analyzing the suspects' clothing and mobile phone data to determine the exact methods and motives used.

Entities

Hrvoje Visković · Ivan Turudić · Milorad Pupovac · Vladimir Ćupić · Zadar County · Zadar County Court · Zadar County Police · Zadar Police · Zadar Police Administration

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] The fires were allegedly caused by lighting dry grass along the road using lighters. www.jutarnji.hr · narod.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The offense carries a potential prison sentence of one to ten years. www.jutarnji.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The charges could potentially be reclassified as terrorism during the legal proceedings. narod.hr
[● 5 SOURCES] Police seized a semi-automatic rifle during the search. narod.hr · kroatien-nachrichten.de · www.24sata.hr · riportal.net.hr · www.veritas.org.rs
[● 4 SOURCES] Four suspects were detained on suspicion of committing a serious criminal offense against public safety. www.jutarnji.hr · kroatien-nachrichten.de · www.24sata.hr · www.veritas.org.rs
[● 5 SOURCES] A one-month investigative detention was ordered for the four suspects. www.jutarnji.hr · narod.hr · kroatien-nachrichten.de · www.24sata.hr · www.poslovni.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] Three of the male suspects were under the heavy influence of alcohol at the time of the incidents. narod.hr · vreme.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The suspects have partially confessed to starting the fires in the Zadar area. www.jutarnji.hr · narod.hr · www.24sata.hr · www.poslovni.hr
[● 6 SOURCES] The suspects are accused of causing ten fires in the Zadar region www.jutarnji.hr · kroatien-nachrichten.de · www.24sata.hr · www.veritas.org.rs · riportal.net.hr · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The suspects face potential charges of terrorism narod.hr
[● 7 SOURCES] The group includes three Croatian men and one Polish woman www.jutarnji.hr · narod.hr · kroatien-nachrichten.de · www.24sata.hr · www.veritas.org.rs · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Police seized a semi-automatic rifle during the investigation narod.hr