Türkiye foils Mossad operation, arrests financier

Türkiye’s security forces apprehended a Kosovo citizen suspected of having ties to the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad.

Liridon Rexhepi was taken into custody by the Istanbul Security Directorate TEM Branch after being identified by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) as the operator of a financial network supporting Mossad’s activities in the country.

Rexhepi was funneling funds to field operatives in Türkiye who, under the orders of the Israeli Intelligence Service, were conducting drone surveillance, engaging in psychological operations against Palestinian politicians, and gathering intelligence on Syria.

MIT uncovered suspicious activities in Rexhepi’s financial accounts, revealing multiple money transfers to Turkish operatives via Western Union. His financial dealings and movements were placed under close surveillance.

Upon entering Türkiye on Aug. 25, 2024, Rexhepi was monitored closely. His activities were documented, and coordination was established with the Istanbul Police Department’s Counter-Terrorism Branch.

On Aug. 30, Rexhepi was detained by the counterterrorism branch. During questioning, he admitted to making the money transfers and was subsequently arrested and sent to prison.

MIT’s operations revealed that Mossad was channeling funds to its operatives in Türkiye mainly from Kosovo and other Eastern European countries. The funds received by Turkish operatives, reportedly, were used in Syria.

Following the money trail, it was found that operatives in Türkiye were transferring funds from Kosovo to Syrian sub-sources via the Western Union. It was also discovered that they made payments to Syrian contacts using cryptocurrency.