Arrests, detentions in military spying probe in Turkey

İZMİR - Doğan News Agency

A prosecutor’s office in the Aegean province of İzmir released detention warrants for 51 active-duty soldiers in twelve cities as part of a military espionage probe. At least 40 people were detained in the raids yesterday and four were arrested.

Prosecutor’s office ordered simultaneous raids in 12 provinces on July 7. The suspects are charged with having involvement in an alleged gang through prostitution, blackmailing and espionage.

The investigation against the espionage gang started in 2009 after allegations arose that the gang reportedly targeted active-duty officers with knowledge of details about warcraft radar location. The suspects are also charged with listening to private phone conversations and spying on some officer’s bedrooms through cameras and blackmailing them. In the operation, 78 people including 55 active-duty-soldiers have already been detained. The suspects are also charged with sending escort girls to the officer’s homes.