Türkiye detains three over alleged UAE espionage plot

Turkish authorities have detained three individuals suspected of conducting political and military espionage on behalf of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in an operation coordinated by Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor.

The operation was carried out by the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) and the Istanbul Police Department, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

A statement from the prosecutor’s office said that investigations into “military and political espionage” are ongoing, led by the Counter-Terrorism Department of Istanbul Police in cooperation with MIT.

According to the statement, UAE intelligence operatives allegedly used a mobile number obtained from a Turkish telecom operator and fake online profiles to contact senior officials at key defence industry companies, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of several foreign states in Türkiye.

Their aim was reportedly to gather biographical information on personnel holding strategic positions.

Authorities also identified four individuals who, acting on instructions from UAE intelligence, acquired a Turkish GSM number, sent it to the UAE, and handed it over to agents for use in the espionage operation.

During the raid conducted to detain these suspects and seize evidence, three were arrested. A warrant has been issued for the fourth suspect, who is believed to be abroad.

By Aghakazim Guliyev