In a startling security breach, Turkey has apprehended three individuals accused of engaging in espionage for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul, the espionage network aimed to extract personal data of individuals in critical government positions, focusing directly on key authorities who manage pivotal government affairs.
The investigation uncovered that the suspects acquired a GSM mobile number from a Turkish telecom company and sent it to the UAE. This number facilitated the creation of fake online profiles—including counterfeit accounts and identities—intended to forge alliances with or access information from government officials.
Who Were the Targets?
Individuals associated with the defense sector were prominent targets, along with a special phone line in the foreign ministry and envoys from various embassies. Efforts were made to extract sensitive data regarding them.
Source: aajtak
Authorities indicate that a total of four people were involved in this operation. Their roles were clearly delineated: procuring mobile lines in Turkey, sending them to the UAE, and maintaining seamless communication to ensure the operation's smooth execution.
During raids, three suspects were apprehended, while the fourth remains outside Turkey’s jurisdiction. An arrest warrant is issued, and the suspect will be apprehended once located.
This episode is considered highly critical by Turkey’s security agencies due to the sensitivity of the data, which was closely tied to high-ranking government officials.
