Minister of the Interior Davor Bozinovic said on Monday that police are treating the latest bomb threats across several counties very seriously, while international cooperation has been intensified through European investigation orders and evidence-gathering measures.

Commenting on stepped-up efforts to identify those responsible, Bozinovic declined to provide details, saying he does not want to give any indication that would help those behind this further protect themselves and continue what they are doing.

He noted that all threats so far have proven to be false, but stressed that police will not relax or ignore any reports involving threats to citizens, schools or media outlets.

Bozinovic added that the threats originate from abroad, meaning the investigation cannot be conducted solely within Croatia and requires cooperation with international partners, including foreign police forces, agencies and judicial authorities.

Asked about proposals from some school principals to introduce online classes, he said the competent institutions have been cooperating from the outset and discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Science and Education and other bodies to find a sustainable model for the future.

We will do everything to ensure this does not affect the end of the school year or the state exams, he said after visiting the University of Zadar. Everyone is aware of that, and measures are being taken to secure it in the best possible way. I donв’t think we are at the stage to switch to online teaching. We will do our utmost to identify those responsible.

The ministerв’s comments come as a wave of false bomb threats continued on Monday. Authorities estimate that more than 500 hoax alerts were sent over five consecutive days last week to schools, kindergartens andВ shopping centres across Croatia, as well as Split airport.