Seven suspects have been detained in a MİT-led operation over allegations that they collected sensitive information on civil society groups, associations, ethnic communities and public officials in Türkiye for foreign intelligence services, security sources said.
The National Intelligence Organization determined that a network led by a suspect identified by the initials B.E. had gathered and transferred information to two foreign services, the sources said.
The activities of the network were monitored through physical surveillance, cyber tracking and technical surveillance, according to the same sources.
During the investigation, authorities documented the group’s communication channels with foreign services, reporting methods, payment mechanisms and instructions, they added.
Simultaneous operations were carried out in four provinces as part of a joint investigation conducted by MİT, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and special teams from the Ankara police anti-terror branch.
Seven suspects, including B.E., were detained. Two other alleged members of the network were already in prison over separate offenses, the sources said.
The suspects were later referred to court and arrested on espionage charges.
Authorities also said the operation revealed the network structure, communication protocols and strategic targets of a foreign intelligence service in Türkiye.
