Zonguldak police arrest suspects in illegal coal mine bribery probe

Police in Zonguldak, Turkey, have conducted a major operation targeting bribery and corruption involving illegal coal mine operators and forest officials. The investigation, directed by the Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, follows the death of forest ranger Hami Hamarat, whose involvement in the alleged scheme became a focal point of the inquiry.

Authorities allege that certain forest officials accepted bribes from illegal coal mine operators to provide sensitive information and to falsely document mines as sealed or inspected when no such actions were taken. Following physical and technical surveillance, the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (KOM) branch carried out simultaneous raids on multiple addresses.

During the operations, police seized weapons and ammunition. A total of 16 suspects were detained. Following judicial proceedings, four individuals were released, eight were placed under judicial control, and four illegal mine operators—identified as M. O., M. M., K. B., and E. A.—were arrested and sent to prison. The investigation remains ongoing.