Zakynthos: Hellenic Police’s response to reports of tourist rapes
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According to Hellenic Police, three rape incidents have been reported on the island of Zakynthos. The president of POEDIN said that eight female tourists had reported being raped.
- 07 Αυγούστου 2026 13:57
The General Regional Police Directorate of the Ionian Islands issued a statement following claims by the president of POEDIN that eight women had been raped in Zakynthos since June 15.
The statement refers to three reported incidents, in connection with which, according to the police, “all procedures provided for by law were immediately followed, in cooperation with the prosecutorial, forensic and health authorities, and two arrests have been made.”
The full statement reads:
“With regard to media reports referring to incidents of rape involving foreign female tourists on the island of Zakynthos, the General Regional Police Directorate of the Ionian Islands announces the following:
During the period from May 2026 through August 6, 2026, three incidents were reported to the competent police service. In all cases, all procedures provided for by law were immediately followed, in cooperation with the prosecutorial, forensic and health authorities, and two arrests have been made.
Our services remain committed to investigating every relevant complaint, protecting victims and providing the public with reliable information based exclusively on official and verified data.”
What the president of POEDIN said about the reported rapes in Zakynthos
According to the president of POEDIN, eight female tourists have gone to Zakynthos Hospital since June 15, reporting that they had been raped and seeking medical care. Most of the incidents are said to be linked to the Laganas area.
According to the same information, hospital staff immediately notified the police, while following a prosecutor’s order, forensic examinations and assessments were carried out by the hospital’s gynaecologists.
Mr Giannakos said that no prosecutions were brought in these cases because the women did not disclose the identities of the alleged perpetrators and did not file formal complaints.
He noted that during the corresponding period last year, approximately two similar cases had been reported.
One particularly serious case involves an Italian tourist who, according to the president of POEDIN, went to the hospital two days ago and required specialised medical treatment for her injuries.
“What is happening to women is abhorrent and degrading, with individuals taking advantage of the state of intoxication they may be in,” Mr Giannakos said.
