Tipaza, Algeria – An organized criminal network responsible for deliberately setting fires in the forests of Tipaza province has been apprehended, authorities announced today. The arrests followed an intensive investigation led by the National Gendarmerie’s Research and Investigation Unit in Tipaza.
The suspects are accused of arson within the Arhat municipality, resulting in significant damage to Aleppo pine trees, scrubland, undergrowth, and surrounding agricultural land. The investigation was conducted under the supervision of the specialized anti-terrorism and transnational organized crime division of the Sidi M’hamed court.
According to initial reports, the criminal group consists of four individuals who were taken into custody after evidence implicated them in starting the fires within the protected forest areas. The suspects were presented before judicial authorities on November 20, 2025, and are now facing formal charges as part of a judicial inquiry.
The charges include acts of sabotage endangering lives, security, and property, as well as deliberately setting fire to state-owned forest land. These charges fall under articles 87 bis of the Penal Code and 138 of the law pertaining to forests and forest resources.
The investigating judge has ordered the provisional detention of the accused pending the completion of the investigation. DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
