Israeli spy network uncovered in Türkiye as prosecutors seek 22-year sentences
Illustration of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad's operative, accessed on September 30, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish authorities have completed an investigation into an alleged spy network working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, with prosecutors seeking prison sentences of up to 22 years for seven suspects.
The case centers around Ahmet Ersin Tumlucali, an insurance company owner who allegedly led espionage activities in Türkiye and across Europe. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Tumlucali, his wife, stepdaughter, and four others.
Family-based Mossad espionage network
According to details reported by a Turkish daily newspaper, the suspects are accused of “obtaining information that should remain confidential to the state for political or military espionage purposes.” Turkish intelligence claims the group operated on behalf of the Israeli Online Operations Center (ICOM), a unit of Mossad.
The indictment highlights that Tumlucali maintained contact with Mossad operatives identified as “Jorg,” who presented himself as a legal assistant, and “Gavin Alfron.” Communication reportedly occurred through email and Skype, with prosecutors alleging that after initially assigning test tasks to establish trust, the Israeli intelligence officers expanded their cooperation with Tumlucali.
International meetings and financial transfers
The investigation revealed that Tumlucali held face-to-face meetings with his alleged handlers in multiple European cities. He reportedly met with “Jorg” in Vienna in 2011 and Munich in 2017, followed by several meetings with “Gavin” in Vienna and Frankfurt between 2017 and 2019. According to the prosecutor’s office, these espionage activities continued until 2020, when Israeli intelligence terminated the operation.
Financial records examined during the investigation allegedly show substantial payments to the spy network. Prosecutors claim approximately €300,000 ($327,139.5)were transferred from banks linked to Israeli intelligence services to accounts controlled by Tumlucali’s wife, Benan Tumlucali, between 2014 and 2019.
Network members and operations
The indictment names several individuals as part of the alleged espionage ring, including Tumlucali’s wife Benan, who reportedly sent surveillance reports directly to the Mossad handlers, his stepdaughter Dila Sultan Simsek, sister-in-law Berna Cetin, and associates Cem Ozcan, Ozkan Arican, and Fuzuli Simsek.
Suspect Ozkan Arican allegedly helped obtain information from Turkish government institutions. The network reportedly focused on photographing and gathering personal information about individuals targeted by Israeli intelligence in Türkiye.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Istanbul Heavy Penal Court in the coming days.
The spy ring was initially dismantled last year following operations by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), which resulted in the arrest of six suspects.
