The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Turkish Intelligence Agency and the Police Directorate, announced the arrest of three individuals accused of working for the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) intelligence services in political and military espionage activities.

Investigations disclosed that UAE intelligence operatives used a number from a Turkish telecommunications company to create fake accounts and communicate with figures holding sensitive positions in the defense industry. They also targeted a phone assigned to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several foreign officials, aiming to collect data and résumés of employees in critical positions.

It was also found that four individuals within Turkey assisted in purchasing a phone line from a local telecom operator, transferring it abroad, and delivering it to the UAE intelligence operatives, maintaining communication among themselves to carry out these tasks.

During the security operation conducted today to apprehend the suspects, three individuals were arrested, while a detention order was issued for a fourth suspect who is currently outside Turkey.