Turkish court decided to detain six individuals for allegedly selling information obtained within Turkey to the Israeli external intelligence service, “Mossad”.
The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that the Fourth Penal Court of Peace in Istanbul ordered the detention of six people following their interrogation by the public prosecutor’s office. The agency also mentioned that the same court decided to release one individual who had been detained along with the six accused, subject to judicial supervision.
Turkish authorities have recently intensified their efforts against espionage activities, particularly those linked to Israel’s Mossad. In a significant operation, 33 individuals were arrested across Turkey, suspected of conducting espionage on behalf of Mossad. These arrests came in the wake of warnings from Turkey regarding any attempts by Israel to target Hamas members residing in the country. The operation, termed “Mole,” led to the capture of suspects involved in international espionage activities, focusing on tracking and potentially targeting foreign nationals residing in Turkey for humanitarian reasons. The operation spanned Istanbul and seven other provinces, highlighting the extensive nature of these activities and Turkey’s firm stance against unauthorized foreign intelligence operations within its borders.
Further, Turkish police have arrested seven individuals in a separate incident, accused of selling information to Mossad. This operation, conducted by both the police and Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), took place in Istanbul and the Aegean province of Izmir. The suspects were allegedly involved in monitoring and photographing targets, placing tracking devices on them, and gathering information for Mossad. This has escalated tensions, considering Turkey’s previous warnings against Israel’s attempts to pursue Hamas members on Turkish soil.
Moreover, another operation led to the detention of 34 individuals suspected of links to Mossad and targeting Palestinians living in Turkey. This operation was carried out in response to Mossad’s alleged recruitment efforts within Turkey, aiming to use individuals in acts against Palestinians residing in the country. The operation covered eight provinces and involved raids at various locations, leading to the confiscation of significant amounts of foreign currency, an unregistered firearm, and digital materials. Turkish officials have been vocal about their disapproval of Israel’s actions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Hamas, and have reiterated their stance that espionage against national unity and solidarity will not be tolerated
