Turkish authorities have arrested six suspects, including one Iranian national and five Turkish citizens, over allegations of political and military espionage linked to Iran’s intelligence services, officials said on Wednesday.
The arrests followed a coordinated security operation spanning five provinces and were carried out under the supervision of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The operation involved the Istanbul Police Counter-Terrorism Division working jointly with the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), reflecting heightened vigilance over foreign intelligence activity in Türkiye.
According to investigators, the suspects maintained direct contact with officers connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Authorities said the group allegedly operated as a network tasked with gathering and transmitting sensitive security-related information.
Sensitive sites targeted
Officials said the suspects focused on Turkish military installations and other high-value locations, both inside Türkiye and in third countries. Among the sites targeted was Incirlik Air Base in the southern province of Adana, which holds strategic importance due to its role in regional military operations.
Investigators alleged that the group conducted reconnaissance and surveillance activities around Incirlik and other facilities. In addition, authorities accused the suspects of providing logistical assistance to the network, including involvement in the smuggling of unmanned aerial vehicles through Türkiye for use against third countries.
The collected intelligence was reportedly transmitted directly to IRGC handlers, according to the case file prepared by prosecutors.
Raids and legal process
Security forces carried out simultaneous raids in Istanbul, Van, Samsun, Yalova, and Ankara, leading to the detention of all six suspects. After completing procedures at provincial security directorates, authorities referred the suspects to court.
Judicial officials subsequently ordered the suspects to be remanded in custody on charges of political and military espionage. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine potential links and the full scope of the alleged intelligence activities.
