World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Toxic substances found in Kaşif Kozinoğlu’s hair and nails
Investigators are examining the death of former Turkish intelligence officer Kaşif Kozinoğlu after samples were taken from his exhumed grave.
Preliminary tests found high levels of toxic substances in his hair and nails.
Tests found no poisonous substance in the grave soil.
One report said arsenic, antimony and lead were found in tissue and bone samples.
Kozinoğlu fell ill in Silivri prison on November 12, 2011, and died in hospital.
His death was initially attributed to a heart attack, but the investigation is checking whether other people were involved.
Forensic experts are expected to provide a final assessment to help establish his cause of death.
A preliminary examination of samples from Kaşif Kozinoğlu’s exhumed grave found high levels of toxic substances in his hair and nails.
The report said tests found no poisonous substance in the soil from the grave.
Sözcü reported that arsenic, antimony and lead were detected in tissue and bone samples.
Authorities are investigating to establish Kozinoğlu’s cause of death and whether others were involved.
The final assessment has not been completed, and the reports differ on which Forensic Medicine Institute body will provide it.
- Who
- Kaşif Kozinoğlu, a former National Intelligence Organization official.
- What
- Preliminary tests found high levels of toxic substances in hair and nail samples; Sözcü also reported arsenic, antimony and lead in tissue and bone.
- When
- The preliminary findings were reported on November 3, 2026. Kozinoğlu died on November 12, 2011.
- Where
- Samples were taken from Kozinoğlu’s grave; he died after becoming ill at Silivri No. 1 L-Type Closed Prison.
- Why
- Prosecutors opened an investigation to determine his exact cause of death and whether third parties were involved.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kozinoğlu became ill at Silivri No. 1 L-Type Closed Prison and died at a hospital after being taken there.
His grave was opened and samples were collected for examination.
News outlets reported preliminary findings of high levels of toxic substances in his hair and nail samples.
- Death
- November 12, 2011
- Prison
- Silivri No. 1 L-Type Closed Prison
- Hair and nails
- High levels of toxic substances detected
- Grave soil
- No poisonous substance detected
- Tissue and bone
- Arsenic, antimony and lead reported by Sözcü