Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) has dismantled a Chinese spy network of seven individuals who were caught using illegal “ghost” base stations to steal personal data. The suspects were caught red-handed, and the devices were traced back to China.
CNN TÜRK’s Nihat Uludağ revealed exclusive details:
This was a major Chinese espionage operation. MİT had been tracking the seven spies sent from China. Unlike traditional methods using basic GPS tracking like private detectives or insurance agents, these operatives smuggled in advanced surveillance equipment—ghost base stations similar to those used by official law enforcement.
These devices allowed them to intercept mobile communications of Turkish public officials and Uighur Turks living in Turkey. They operated across five cities: Istanbul, Izmir, Manisa, Balıkesir, and Bursa. The stolen data, including location and communication info, was sent directly to China.