Two suspects in Zadar arson case linked to environmental issues and state aid

Authorities have apprehended four individuals suspected of deliberately starting ten fires across the Zadar region on August 14 and 15. Among the arrested are Vladimir Ćupić, known for his association with the 'black hill' waste disposal site, and Daniel Stegnjaić, a farmer whose home was rebuilt with state aid after the war.

These fires, which spread from Bili Brig in Zadar to Zemunik, Škabrnja, Benkovac, and Biljane Donje, were allegedly started by igniting dry grass along roads using lighters. Police reported that three of the male suspects were significantly intoxicated at the time of their arrest. A 33-year-old Polish national was also detained. All four are currently in one-month pre-trial detention as the investigation into their motives continues.

The material damage from the fires is still being assessed, but initial reports confirm a car was completely destroyed on Bili Brig and 43 olive trees were burned between Škabrnja and Zemunik Donji. Ćupić's name has previously been linked to the 'black hill' scandal, involving the disposal of approximately 140,000 tons of slag from the former TEF factory in Šibenik. This incident occurs amidst a larger scandal concerning illegally dumped waste in Gospić, where investigations have revealed PFAS compounds in groundwater near a landfill site.

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Policija četvorku sumnjiči da je, prema prethodnom planu i dogovoru, tijekom dva dana namjerno izazvala požare na deset lokacija, od Bilog Briga u Zadru do Zemunika, Škabrnje, Benkovca i Biljana Donjih.