Turkish prosecutors charge 20 for spying on behalf of Mossad

Turkish prosecutors have filed charges against 20 individuals accused of spying for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, with potential prison sentences ranging from 19 to 45 years. The defendants, 16 of whom are currently in custody, are accused of engaging in espionage against foreign nationals living in Türkiye.

According to the Istanbul prosecutors, Mossad recruited the suspects through online ads posted on social media and messaging apps.

The defendants reportedly gathered confidential information, including the addresses and images of Palestinian citizens and individuals affiliated with Hamas, and shared it with Israeli intelligence officers.

The indictment suggests this intelligence could have been used in future operations, including potential kidnappings or executions.

Financial motives

The accused reportedly received payments through various channels, such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and international money transfer services—methods commonly associated with terrorist groups, according to prosecutors.

One of the defendants, Amal Sallami Ep Siala, claimed her motive was financial, stating that she was initially contacted by someone who identified as German. She admitted to completing tasks, including filming Istanbul’s Suleymaniye Mosque and taking photos of an apartment complex. She claimed ignorance of Mossad’s existence, asserting that her actions were financially motivated rather than espionage-related.

Another defendant, Hazem Mounir Amin Elgayyar, who worked at a health directorate in Istanbul, is accused of providing Mossad with information on Palestinians wounded during the Gaza conflict who had been brought to Türkiye for treatment.

Espionage charges and ongoing trial

The defendants face charges of “political or military espionage.” The trial is scheduled to begin in November.

Earlier this year, in January, Turkish intelligence conducted a nationwide operation across eight cities targeting Mossad-related activities.