Turkey Detains Liridon Rexhepi in Major Mossad Espionage Bust

In a significant intelligence operation, Turkish authorities have arrested Liridon Rexhepi, a Kosovo national identified as the head of Mossad’s financial network in Turkey. Rexhepi, who entered the country on August 25, was detained by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Istanbul Police on August 30. He was subsequently charged with facilitating financial transactions for Mossad operatives in Turkey, conducting drone surveillance, and carrying out psychological operations against Palestinian politicians.

According to reports, Rexhepi was responsible for transferring significant sums of money via Western Union and cryptocurrency from Kosovo and other Eastern European countries to Mossad agents operating in Turkey. These funds were used to support intelligence-gathering activities, particularly regarding Syria, and to coordinate surveillance efforts against figures aligned with Palestinian groups.

The operation marks a major blow to Mossad’s activities in Turkey, with Turkish intelligence closely monitoring Rexhepi’s movements since his arrival in the country. The arrest underscores the growing tensions between Turkey and Israel, particularly given Turkey’s stance on Palestinian issues and its increasingly strained relations with Israel under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

This incident is part of a broader Turkish crackdown on espionage activities within its borders. In recent months, Turkey has made multiple arrests related to alleged espionage activities linked to foreign intelligence agencies, including Mossad. This latest arrest further complicates the already delicate relationship between Turkey and Israel, as the Erdoğan administration continues to assert its opposition to Israeli actions in the region.

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