A cache of classified Turkish government documents obtained by Nordic Monitor reveals that Ankara has been running a covert intelligence unit out of its embassy in The Hague, using diplomatic cover to spy on journalists, dissidents, and critics of President Erdogan across Europe.
THE NORDIC MONITOR -- Marked Gizli (Secret), the original report was sent on October 21, 2025, to the Interior Ministry’s foreign relations department. One week later, deputy department head Turgay Olgun forwarded it—again stamped secret—to the Gendarmerie General Command and the Security Directorate General for immediate action.
The rapid transmissions highlight Ankara’s policy of treating intelligence gathered abroad as if it were collected inside Turkey, with domestic law-enforcement expected to respond accordingly.
According to the documents, the Turkish Embassy in The Hague recently established a clandestine cell dedicated not to diplomatic work but to systematic surveillance and profiling of political exiles, journalists, and others viewed as opponents. Nordic Monitor notes that similar covert operations have been documented at Turkish embassies in Berlin, Vienna, Brussels, Ottawa, and Washington, exposing a wider global pattern of embassies being used as operational hubs for intelligence activities.
