Mossad espionage suspects stand trial in Türkiye

The trial of 20 individuals accused of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad began in Istanbul on Monday. The defendants, charged with “political or military espionage continuously,” face potential sentences ranging from 18 years and nine months to 45 years in prison.

The Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court held the hearing at the Marmara Prison Campus courtroom. Nineteen defendants, including 15 in custody, appeared with their legal representatives.

Defendants deny espionage allegations

Adi Alfunekh, one of the accused, stated that he had been living in Türkiye for nine years and denied any involvement in espionage. He claimed that a woman named Leyla, his girlfriend of three years whom he met online but never met in person, sent him financial aid through wire transfers.

“She was supposed to come to Türkiye, and we planned to marry, but it didn’t happen,” said Alfunekh. He added that his financial struggles were known to Leyla, who sent him $600 in 2018. “I don’t know the person who sent me the money,” he added.

Another defendant, Abdalla Akkad, stated that he moved to Türkiye in 2013 and operates a textile business with 20 stores. He dismissed allegations of receiving illicit payments and emphasized the legitimacy of his business operations.

“I have been using the same phone number for 11 years. All my employees are officially registered, and I pay taxes regularly,” Akkad said.

Prosecutors highlight Mossad’s methods

According to the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Mossad allegedly communicated with the suspects via online platforms and social media, using job postings to establish contact.

The suspects were reportedly instructed to gather sensitive information about Palestinian nationals and individuals with alleged Hamas affiliations.

The indictment accuses the suspects of sharing photographs, addresses, and other classified information with Mossad agents in exchange for payments through methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and Western Union.

Prosecutors also allege that the suspects facilitated reconnaissance and other preparatory activities that could lead to kidnapping or assassinations.

Charges, potential sentences

The indictment lists 16 detained and four non-detained suspects, including Abdalla Akkad, Abdelrahman Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed Elsobky, Abdurrahman Gabbesh, Adi Alfunekh, Ahmed M. A. Alostaz, Ahmet Furkan Alalmıs, Amal Sallami Ep Siala, Cemile Turk, Khaled Heney and Hazem Mounir Amin Elgayyar.

Other names include Hazim Abdelradi, Khalel Ibrahim Younus Basheer, Kadir Aydin, Luey Mektebi, Mahmud Izzettin, Mohamad Ahmad, Morched Siala, Muhammed Bilik, Muhammed Ali Weys and Muhammed Nur Dervis.

They are charged under Türkiye‘s political and military espionage laws and could face up to 45 years of prison if convicted.