BREAKING | New development in suspicious death of MIT officer Kaşif Kozinoğlu: 11 detention orders

A renewed investigation into the suspicious death of former Turkish intelligence officer Kaşif Kozinoğlu has reached the detention stage, with proceedings launched against 11 people who worked at Silivri Prison when he died. Ten suspects have been detained, while an 11th was identified as a FETÖ fugitive living abroad.

The case focuses in particular on prison guard Ferhat Veysi Gül. According to the investigation, Gül, who had begun working at the prison in May 2011 and was assigned specifically to Kozinoğlu’s ward, turned the radio up to full volume after seeing an alarm instead of intervening. The report says the noise drowned out cries for help and delayed the response of other officers.

Gül allegedly hid for six months in FETÖ safe houses after the incident. He later enrolled at FETÖ-linked Fatih University, resigned from his job and fled to France 17 days after the July 15 coup attempt. A red notice was issued for him as authorities pursued his whereabouts.

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We are determined not to leave any suspicious death in the dark, no matter how many years have passed.

Kozinoğlu, a former senior MIT official responsible for the agency’s Asia region, fell ill at Silivri’s No. 1 Type L Closed Penal Institution on Nov. 12, 2011. He was taken to Silivri State Hospital, where doctors determined that he had already died. An initial inquiry examined security-camera footage and medical records and took statements from prison, gendarmerie and health personnel, fellow inmates and Kozinoğlu’s wife. Prosecutors closed that inquiry without bringing charges on April 10, 2012.

The investigation was later reviewed by the Department for Investigating Unsolved Crimes. Following an assessment by the Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, a Silivri criminal judgeship lifted the non-prosecution decision on Aug. 26, 2026. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said the renewed inquiry would examine the case comprehensively and that suspicious deaths would not be left unresolved.

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We will continue to pursue unsolved murders, suspicious deaths and cases that have left the public conscience without answers with the same determination.