(MENAFN) Turkish security forces have detained two individuals accused of conducting espionage activities on behalf of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, according to reports from national authorities.

The arrests resulted from a coordinated operation between the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Istanbul Police Department.

Officials identified one of the suspects as Serkan Cicek, alleged to have worked directly for Mossad, while lawyer Tugrulhan Dip is accused of selling information to operatives linked to the agency.

Following interrogation by prosecutors, both suspects were brought before a criminal court of peace, which ordered their formal detention on charges of “obtaining confidential state information for political or military espionage.”

Investigators said that Cicek — who also used the name Muhammet Fatih Keles — operated a private detective business in Istanbul and was tasked by a Mossad contact to monitor a Palestinian activist in the city. He reportedly received $4,000 in cryptocurrency as payment for the mission.

Dip is accused of supplying personal data from public databases to the network in exchange for money, as well as aiding Cicek and other alleged agents. Authorities added that Cicek had previously collaborated with Musa Kus, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison for spying on behalf of Israel.

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