Turkish Intel Captures Suspect Sheltering Alleged Mossad Informant

Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has apprehended a suspect accused of sheltering a lawyer allegedly involved in espionage activities for Israel's Mossad intelligence service. Osman Celik was taken into custody Wednesday for reportedly providing refuge to Tugrulhan Dip, the lawyer charged with selling confidential information to detectives working for the Israeli intelligence agency.

Security sources confirmed the detention was executed as part of "Operation Metron," a comprehensive investigation conducted last week through coordination between MIT, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Istanbul Police Department's Counterterrorism Division. Celik, identified as the property owner where Dip was allegedly hiding, was captured near the lawyer's office and now faces formal charges of harboring a criminal suspect involved in serious national security breaches.

Authorities disclosed that Celik had previously received a prison sentence of six years and eight months as a result of MIT's "Operation Neoplaz" conducted in December 2022. His prior case remains under judicial review at the Court of Cassation, indicating a pattern of involvement in activities drawing scrutiny from Turkish security agencies. The connection between these separate operations highlights MIT's sustained monitoring of individuals with suspected links to networks threatening national security.

This latest arrest demonstrates Türkiye's continued vigilance against foreign intelligence operations within its borders. The detention of individuals allegedly facilitating espionage activities underscores MIT's effective coordination with judicial authorities in identifying and neutralizing potential security threats. The operation reflects Türkiye's determined efforts to combat intelligence gathering activities conducted by foreign agencies on its territory.