Turkish authorities have captured Liridon Rexhepi, a Kosovan national, accused of managing the financial network of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency within Turkey. The arrest is part of a broader effort by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) to dismantle Mossad’s operations within its borders.
Rexhepi, who entered Turkey on August 25, 2024, was immediately placed under surveillance by MIT due to suspicious activities in his financial accounts. These accounts revealed numerous transactions believed to be directed towards Mossad operatives in Turkey. He was arrested in Istanbul on August 30 following a high-stakes operation coordinated between MIT and the Istanbul Police Department’s Counter-Terrorism Branch.
https://x.com/AmmarKh12669255/status/1830947812025979224
During his interrogation, Rexhepi reportedly admitted to facilitating these financial transfers. The funds were used to support Mossad’s covert activities in Turkey, including drone surveillance, psychological operations against Palestinian political figures, and intelligence gathering related to Syria.
According to Turkish sources, the money was funneled through Eastern European countries, primarily Kosovo, and included cryptocurrency transactions to further obscure the trail.
https://x.com/xhemajl_rexha/status/1830884130717831232
Rexhepi’s arrest marks a significant blow to Mossad’s operations in Turkey, as he is the first high-profile Mossad operative apprehended in the country this year. Since January, Turkish authorities have intensified their crackdown on individuals suspected of collaborating with Israeli intelligence.
Over 20 people, including several Turkish nationals, have been detained or arrested on espionage charges. This campaign is part of Turkey's broader strategy to counter foreign intelligence activities within its borders, especially those targeting Palestinian nationals.
The relationship between Turkey and Israel has been strained, particularly in the wake of Israel's military actions against Hamas. Turkey, which has openly criticized Israel's operations in Gaza, remains one of the most vocal opponents of Israeli policies in the region. The arrest of Rexhepi is likely to further strain relations between the two nations, especially as Turkey continues to assert its position against Israel’s intelligence activities on its soil.
Israel has not yet commented on Rexhepi’s arrest or the broader crackdown on Mossad operatives in Turkey. However, the move highlights the escalating intelligence battle between the two nations, with Turkey determined to curb any foreign espionage that threatens its national security.
