Toxic substances found in Kaşif Kozinoğlu’s hair and nails

A new finding has emerged in an investigation opened by the Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine the definitive cause of the suspicious death of Kaşif Kozinoğlu, a former covert operative of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT), and whether third parties were involved.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the Forensic Medicine Institution has completed preliminary tests on samples collected several months ago after Kozinoğlu’s grave was exhumed.

According to the preliminary laboratory and autopsy reports, high levels of toxic substances were found in Kozinoğlu’s hair and nail samples. No toxic substances were detected in samples taken from the soil at the grave. The Forensic Medicine Institution’s General Council is expected to submit its official report, containing its final assessment of the examinations, to the prosecutor’s office soon.

In the investigation, which is being conducted under strict confidentiality, nine suspects have previously been arrested, including Ali İşgören, who was Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor at the time of the incident, and prison prosecutor Necip Doğan.

Kozinoğlu, considered one of MİT’s key figures in Asia, died on Nov. 12, 2011. He was taken to hospital after his health suddenly deteriorated in his cell at Silivri No. 1 L-type closed prison. Initial official statements at the time cited a heart attack as the cause of death.