Child Snatched from Swimming Pool and Assaulted - Authorities Seek Romanian Suspects
International Manhunt for Suspect in Sexual Assault at Rulantica Water Park
A 31-year-old Romanian man is the subject of an international manhunt, wanted for the sexual assault of a six-year-old girl at the Rulantica water park, part of Europa-Park in Germany, on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The suspect, described as slim, with short dark hair and a full black beard, allegedly lured the child away from the park around 8:20 PM. He led her into a nearby wooded area and committed the assault. The girl was wearing only swimwear: a light blue bikini top, a pink swimsuit, and flip-flops. The suspect offered to help the girl find her parents.
The girl was found by a witness in Grafenhausen, about five kilometers from the water park, at around 10:20 PM. The public prosecutor's office in Freiburg issued a search warrant for the suspect's residence.
Although the assault was serious, there is no evidence of rape, and the child was largely unharmed physically. The man is known to local police from prior minor offenses, including theft and welfare fraud.
Investigators are actively seeking witnesses who were at Rulantica or nearby areas, including the Baggersee Grafenhausen, between 8:20 PM and 10:20 PM on August 9. They are particularly interested in anyone who saw the suspect with the child or other suspicious behavior.
German authorities are coordinating with Romanian courts and police for the suspect's extradition, which has been ruled to take place within ten days after the court decision on August 16, 2025.
The case has raised broad concerns about safety in public swimming facilities, and Europa-Park has implemented heightened alertness, with all employees briefed and monitoring for suspicious activities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Freiburg police at telephone number 0781 21-2820 to assist with reconstructing the suspect’s path and gathering further evidence.
This article synthesises information from multiple recent news reports and official police statements from August 15 to August 22, 2025.
- The international manhunt, initiated following a sexual assault at Rulantica water park, has expanded to include health-and-wellness awareness, particularly focusing on safety measures in public swimming facilities.
- As the case progresses, the general news landscape is heavily influenced by discussions about crime-and-justice, with German authorities coordinating with Romanian courts for the extradition of the suspect.
- Although the sexual assault incident is a significant part of the news cycle, the case also highlights the importance of scientific research in investigative processes, as authorities seek witnesses and evidence to establish the suspect's whereabouts.
