Turkey has accused Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service, of recruiting spies within its borders using cryptocurrency to track and abduct Palestinians, as reported by the Financial Times.
In response, Turkish authorities conducted raids, detaining 34 individuals allegedly involved in reconnaissance, surveillance, and kidnapping operations for Mossad.
Recruits were purportedly compensated with cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity. Online job listings sought assistance in various missions, including photographing targets and planting GPS devices.
Tensions between Turkey and Israel escalated after the Gaza conflict, with President Erdoğan warning of severe consequences, stating that Israel would “pay a very, very heavy price” if it targets Hamas members in Turkey.
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This accusation heightens concerns of increased Middle East conflict. The raids resulted in the seizure of €150,000, an unlicensed firearm, and digital materials, underscoring strained Israeli-Turkish relations and contributing to regional tensions.