Turkish Authorities Detain Mossad Financial Network Director
In a significant move, Turkish authorities have detained Liridon Rexhepi, the director of the Mossad's financial network in Turkey, following his arrest on August 30, 2024. Turkish judicial authorities suspect Rexhepi of engaging in espionage activities for the Israeli intelligence agency, leading to a widespread investigation by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization.
Details of the Espionage Activities
Reports indicate that Rexhepi was responsible for overseeing the money transfer network for Mossad in Turkey. His operations included transferring funds to field agents who conducted aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering in Syria. Surveillance revealed that Rexhepi's financial activities were closely monitored, with multiple transactions flagged as suspicious, particularly those involving the Western Union service.
Implications of the Arrest
The arrest of Rexhepi has raised concerns about the extent of Mossad's intelligence operations within Turkey. Former Turkish Air Force Intelligence head, Gürsel Tokmakoglu, emphasized the achievement of Turkish intelligence in apprehending Rexhepi within just five days. This operation not only showcases Turkey's intelligence capabilities but also serves as a strategic message to Israeli leadership amid ongoing tensions regarding Hamas.
- The investigation revealed that Rexhepi had been operating in Turkey since August 25, 2024, and was under constant surveillance by Turkish authorities. After his arrest, he reportedly confessed to facilitating financial transfers for Mossad, leading to further investigations into other suspects connected to this espionage network. The Turkish authorities are now conducting a large-scale operation to track down these individuals, indicating a heightened focus on national security and counterintelligence efforts.
