Turkish court sentences Israeli Mossad-linked espionage network to nearly 100 years
Illustration of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad's operative, accessed on September 30, 2024. (AA Photo)
An Istanbul court has sentenced members of a spy network allegedly working for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, to nearly 100 years in prison.
The network, led by insurance company owner Ahmet Ersin Tumlucali, was accused of collecting sensitive information on Türkiye-based individuals and transferring it to foreign intelligence.
The 23rd High Criminal Court of Istanbul announced its verdict in a case stemming from an operation carried out in April 2024 by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
The espionage ring was dismantled following a coordinated investigation with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Lead defendant Tumlucali sentenced to 18 years, 9 months
Ahmet Ersin Tumlucali was initially sentenced to 22 years and 6 months in prison for “political and military espionage.” His sentence was later reduced to 18 years and nine months for good behavior.
The court ruled to continue his detention.
Tumlucali’s wife, Benan Tumlucali, received 16 years and 8 months, and his stepdaughter, Dila Sultan Simsek, was sentenced to 15 years, seven months, and 15 days in prison.
The court found that the three defendants had actively participated in espionage, met with Mossad agents abroad, and transferred sensitive and biographical data for financial compensation
Additional convictions and one acquittal
Three other defendants—Cem Ozcan, Ozkan Arican, and Fuzuli Simsek—each received 15 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison.
One defendant, Nejdet Majoli, was acquitted on the grounds that the charges could not be proven.
The court noted that the individuals had participated in a structured intelligence operation, with some working directly with Mossad officers and using internet-based platforms and mobile apps for communication.
The group reportedly received substantial payments, including hundreds of thousands of euros, in return for information gathered between 2011 and 2019.
Espionage operation targeted Mossad’s online unit
According to the indictment, Mossad operated a remote operations team using internet platforms and courier systems to conduct espionage activities across Türkiye and Europe.
The operation included source recruitment, financial transfers, and tactical surveillance.
MIT had identified nine individuals as part of the espionage network. Eight were arrested in Istanbul during raids in April 2024.
Six of them were later charged with obtaining confidential state information for the purpose of political or military espionage.
