Five arrested in Turkey for illegal treasure hunting, explosives seized

Turkish gendarmerie forces in Çorum have cracked down on illegal treasure hunting, arresting five individuals in the Alaca district. The operation, aimed at protecting cultural heritage, uncovered a cache of illicit equipment including a generator, concrete breaker, lighting system, water tanker, and fuel.

During interrogations, the suspects confessed to working with two other individuals, who were subsequently apprehended. A search of their properties revealed a significant arsenal: a handgun, four blank-firing pistols, two hunting rifles, approximately 2 kilograms of explosive powder, three underground imaging devices, a snake camera, three walkie-talkies, three generators, two concrete breakers, a USB drive, and various ammunition.

The five arrested suspects were brought before a judge and subsequently imprisoned. This action comes amid heightened concern over illegal excavations, particularly after a treasure hunter recently died in Çorum after becoming trapped in a cave during an illegal dig. Authorities emphasize that such unauthorized excavations, often involving explosives and heavy machinery, not only endanger lives but also inflict irreparable damage on the nation's cultural heritage. The Çorum Provincial Gendarmerie Command vows to continue its efforts to prevent further incidents and protect cultural assets.