ON
← Back to feed
USKOK is also investigating the Senya landfill.
World🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives11 days ago

USKOK is also investigating the Senya landfill.

The Croatian anti-corruption agency USKOK has expanded its investigation into the Sinček couple, who were previously investigated over waste disposal issues in Benkovci, to include their waste site in Senj. Residents claim they have raised concerns about suspicious waste disposal practices for years, but local authorities say the contract with the Sinčeks was terminated after 14 months. The Sinčeks reportedly transported large amounts of hazardous waste to the site at night, leading to significant increases in waste volume by morning. Local residents express health concerns, citing fears of contamination affecting children living nearby and suggesting a high incidence of cancer among locals. Independent city council member Hrvoje Bezjak from Mosta claims he warned the local government about these issues but received no response, and now seeks clarity on the nature of the waste being dumped.

USKOK has expanded its investigation into the waste disposal site in Senj, following allegations that the Šincek couple had been illegally dumping hazardous waste there. The probe was initially launched against the couple over a case in Benkovac, but it has now included the Senj landfill. Residents of Senj claim they have witnessed these activities for years and have repeatedly raised concerns, yet their warnings went unheeded. According to local media reports, the city authorities state that the contract with Šincek was terminated after 14 months due to non-compliance with obligations. Residents of Senj describe how they have observed large quantities of waste being transported during the night, with significantly more material appearing in the morning. One long-time resident recounted how he has lived in the area his entire life and noticed the deterioration of the nature reserve near the landfill. He described how the cleanup efforts led to a disaster, with waste being dumped in vast amounts. He expressed fear for the health of children living nearby, stating that many of them are under ten years old and are exposed to potential contamination. A local doctor from Gospić noted an increase in young patients diagnosed with cancer, some of whom have sought her expertise. She emphasized the concern among residents who live close to the landfill, citing the possibility of toxic exposure. She described how waste trucks operate through the night, delivering multiple loads before dawn. According to her, the amount of waste collected each day can reach tens of thousands of tons, far exceeding official records. The issue has drawn attention from independent municipal council member Hrvoje Bezjak, who previously warned local authorities about the situation. He pointed out discrepancies in the capacity data of the landfill, noting that the recorded capacity dropped dramatically from 101,000 tons in 2019 to just 12,500 tons in 2022, a difference of 88,000 tons over three years. Bezjak questioned what had happened to this missing waste, suggesting that it might have been improperly disposed of. He also cited official figures indicating that only between 3,000 and 3,500 tons of waste were processed annually at the site. Senj’s mayor, Željko Tomljanović, confirmed that the contract with Šincek was indeed terminated after 14 months due to failure to meet contractual obligations. He explained that the agreement originally aimed to cover waste with specific materials and included provisions for additional protective measures such as barriers to prevent erosion. However, according to Tomljanović, the company did not fulfill these requirements. He added that current inspections are underway and that the municipality has requested documentation from USKOK, as the landfill is set to undergo remediation soon. Local residents continue to express deep concern over the environmental and health risks associated with the landfill. They believe that the lack of action by local authorities despite repeated complaints has left them vulnerable. Some fear that the continued illegal dumping could lead to serious consequences for public health, particularly for children who reside in the vicinity. As the investigation continues, the community awaits clarity on the extent of the damage and the steps that will be taken to address the ongoing issues.

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

2 reports

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 7511 days ago
USKOK is also investigating the Senya landfill.

The Croatian anti-corruption agency USKOK has expanded its investigation into the Sinček couple, who were previously investigated over waste disposal issues in Benkovci, to include their waste site in Senj. Residents claim they have raised concerns about suspicious waste disposal practices for years, but local authorities say the contract with the Sinčeks was terminated after 14 months. The Sinčeks reportedly transported large amounts of hazardous waste to the site at night, leading to significant increases in waste volume by morning. Local residents express health concerns, citing fears of contamination affecting children living nearby and suggesting a high incidence of cancer among locals. Independent city council member Hrvoje Bezjak from Mosta claims he warned the local government about these issues but received no response, and now seeks clarity on the nature of the waste being dumped.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights environmental and health concerns raised by citizens and independent officials, emphasizing corruption and mismanagement by private entities. It frames the issue as a public health crisis and criticizes local authorities for inaction, aligning with progressive values such as环保

Why factuality (90): This article closely mirrors the primary source document, including details about the expanded USKOK investigation, the residents’ complaints, the terminated contract, and statements from the city councilor. It does not introduce new information or external perspectives beyond what is already covere

Why objectivity (75): While the article remains largely neutral, it uses slightly more emotive language when quoting residents, such as 'strahuje za zdravlje ljudi koji žive u blizini,' which could be interpreted as leaning towards the residents’ concerns rather than presenting a balanced view.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7011 days ago
The city's residents: "We've watched them for years, they've been driving all night".

The Croatian anti-corruption agency USKOK has expanded its investigation into the Sinček couple, who were previously under scrutiny over waste disposal practices in Benkovci, to include their waste site in Senj. Local residents claim they have raised concerns about suspicious waste dumping for years but received no response. They report seeing large amounts of hazardous waste being transported at night and express fears about health risks. According to a local resident, the volume of waste increased significantly overnight, with estimates suggesting up to 20,000 tons of waste was dumped daily. The Sinčeks signed a contract with the municipal utility company in Senj in 2020, but independent council member Hrvoje Bezjak claims he warned authorities about the issue without success. Official data indicates a significant increase in the amount of waste stored at the site over three years.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights environmental and health concerns raised by citizens against corporate activities linked to potential corruption. It emphasizes the lack of governmental response and includes quotes from residents expressing fear for their health, which frames the situation as a failure of the

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the expansion of the USKOK investigation to Senj, mentions the residents’ concerns about waste disposal, and includes quotes from local citizens and officials. It references the contract termination after 14 months and aligns with the primary source document. However,

Why objectivity (70): The article presents both resident concerns and official responses but uses emotionally charged language like 'strahuje za zdravlje ljudi koji žive u blizini' and emphasizes personal fears. The inclusion of the doctor’s comments may be seen as adding an external perspective without sufficient contex

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories