Turkish authorities detained 7 individuals on Friday under suspicion of selling information to the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. Security sources informed that the Turkish intelligence became aware of Mossad’s activities in tracking its targets in Turkey through private investigators, as reported by the Turkish Anadolu Agency.
The investigations revealed Mossad’s activities, including gathering personal information about individuals, reconnaissance, photo and video documentation, surveillance, and placing tracking devices on its targets through associated private investigators. Istanbul’s Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that 9 people were suspected of selling information they obtained to Mossad via private investigators.
Based on these findings, simultaneous security operations were conducted by the intelligence and counter-terrorism branches of the Istanbul Security Directorate in the provinces of Istanbul and Izmir, resulting in the arrest of 7 suspects. It was discovered that two other individuals had been previously arrested in relation to the same investigations.
Last month, Turkish security authorities began taking statements from 34 individuals detained on charges of engaging in “international espionage” activities on behalf of the Israeli foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, against foreign nationals residing in Turkey for humanitarian reasons, according to Anadolu.
Recently, Turkey has undertaken significant operations against individuals suspected of espionage activities for Israel’s Mossad. In early January 2024, Turkish authorities detained 33 people for allegedly spying on behalf of Israel, with ongoing efforts to locate 13 others linked to Mossad. These operations spanned Istanbul and several other provinces, targeting individuals believed to be involved in reconnaissance, pursuing, assaulting, and potentially kidnapping foreign nationals residing in Turkey. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized Turkey’s stance against espionage that threatens national unity and solidarity.
These arrests are seen as a direct message to Israel, urging restraint in targeting Palestinians on Turkish soil. The backdrop of these events includes heightened tensions following threats by Israel to target Hamas members internationally, which Turkey has warned against, given its non-recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Turkish government’s actions reflect a broader crackdown on suspected espionage activities, aligning with its stance against unauthorized intelligence operations within its borders
