Protecting travelers abroad, Korean police expand reach to Croatia

What began as a summer safety initiative for Korean vacationers in Croatia has evolved into a full-scale law enforcement partnership, as police agencies from both nations agreed Tuesday to deepen ties on transnational crime and international fugitive tracking.

The National Police Agency in Seoul said Tuesday that it had dispatched two officers to major Croatian travel hubs for a monthlong deployment through Aug.

13.

Working in four-member mixed teams alongside local authorities, the officers are tasked with protecting Korean vacationers during the peak holiday season, responding to emergencies and maintaining direct communication channels for overseas citizens.

The seasonal patrol comes as the two countries take formal steps to widen their security alliance.

Officials from both nations signed a memorandum of understanding at the Croatian Embassy in Seoul earlier this week, transforming a seasonal tourism safety initiative into a comprehensive pact to combat transnational crime.

Under the expanded framework, law enforcement agencies in both countries will coordinate on joint operations, ...