Mit and Turkish police dismantle alleged Iranian spy network in Türkiye
A coordinated operation by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the Turkish police has led to the arrest of six individuals suspected of working for an Iranian spy network. The operation, spanning five provinces and centered in Istanbul, targeted a cell allegedly involved in reconnaissance and assassination planning.
Authorities revealed that the network was led by Iranian operatives Najaf Rostami, codenamed "Haji," and Mahdi Yekeh Dehghan, codenamed "Doctor." They reportedly tasked Alican Koç, based in the eastern province of Van, with gathering photographic and video intelligence at the İncirlik Air Base in Adana.
Among those detained were defense industry company owners Erhan Ergelen and Taner Özcan, textile businessman Cemal Beyaz, Remzi Beyaz, Alican Koç, and Iranian national Ashkan Jalali. The Istanbul Criminal Judgeship of Peace later formally arrested all six on charges related to acquiring information with military or political confidentiality.
Investigations also uncovered plans by Jalali to transfer armed drones (SIHAs) from Türkiye to both the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and southern Cyprus through companies he owns. Koç and Jalali reportedly attended special SIHA training in Iran in 2025, while Ergelen and Özcan traveled to Iran in October 2025 to assist in drone shipments. Evidence further suggested the network financed its operations under the codename "Güvercin" ("Pigeon"), disguising espionage activity as drone trade.
This case highlights increasing regional tensions and the potential use of commercial and defense networks for intelligence operations.
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