Tipaza, Algeria – An organized criminal network suspected of deliberately starting fires in the forests of Tipaza has been apprehended, authorities announced today. The arrests follow an intensive investigation led by the National Gendarmerie’s Research and Investigation Department in Tipaza.
The public prosecutor’s office at the specialized anti-terrorism and transnational organized crime division of the Sidi M’Hamed court announced that the investigation successfully addressed the case of a criminal group that intentionally set fire to the forest in the municipality of Larhat, Tipaza province. The blazes resulted in significant damage, destroying Aleppo pine trees, scrubland, thickets, and surrounding agricultural land.
According to initial reports, the criminal network consists of four suspects. The individuals were taken into custody after evidence emerged linking them to the deliberate ignition of fires within the state-owned forest lands.
On November 20, 2025, the suspects were presented before judicial authorities and formally charged under judicial investigation procedures. The charges include committing destructive acts endangering the lives, safety, and property of individuals, and intentionally setting fire to state-owned forest property. These charges fall under Articles 87 bis of the Penal Code and 138 of the Law related to Forests and Forest Resources.
The investigating judge has issued orders for the provisional detention of the accused pending the completion of the investigation. The authorities are committed to bringing those responsible for these destructive acts to justice. The investigation is ongoing.
