MİT Uncovers MOSSAD Spy Network in Istanbul, Two Arrested
Istanbul, February 6, 2026 – The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT), in a joint operation with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, has successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of espionage for the Israeli intelligence agency, MOSSAD. The suspects, identified as Mehmet Budak Derya and Veysel Kerimoğlu, were taken into custody today.
The operation, which culminated in the arrests, followed extensive investigations revealing the individuals’ involvement in intelligence activities on behalf of MOSSAD. Mehmet Budak Derya, a marble merchant, is believed to have been recruited by Israeli intelligence in 2013, while Veysel Kerimoğlu was reportedly brought into the network at MOSSAD’s instruction.
From Marble Business to Israeli Espionage
Mehmet Budak Derya, a mining engineer, established his own company in 2005 and opened a marble quarry in Mersin/Silifke, engaging in international trade. His business activities reportedly drew the attention of Israeli intelligence. In September 2012, an individual identified as Ali Ahmed Yassın, representing a shell company established by Israel, visited Derya’s office, expressing interest in a business partnership and inviting him to a meeting in Europe.
Viewing this as a business opportunity, Derya traveled to Europe in January 2013, where he met with Israeli intelligence operatives posing as company owners. During this meeting, MOSSAD agent, code-named Luis, instructed Derya to hire Veysel Kerimoğlu, a Turkish citizen of Palestinian origin, and to provide regular updates on their joint activities. Concurrently, Ali Ahmed Yassın also directed Kerimoğlu to work with Derya.
Kerimoğlu’s Salary Paid by Israel
Following instructions from Israeli intelligence, Mehmet Budak Derya hired Veysel Kerimoğlu, whose salary was reportedly provided by the intelligence agency. Derya developed a close relationship with Kerimoğlu and shared every step of their activities with the Israeli service.
Through Kerimoğlu, Derya expanded his commercial activities in Middle Eastern countries. He also established social and commercial relationships with Palestinians who were critical of Israel’s policies in the region, gathering information about them and transmitting it to Israeli intelligence. Derya also attempted to obtain entry permits into Gaza, using his established commercial ties within the framework of Israel’s occupation policies, and provided MOSSAD with photographs of warehouses he sought in Gaza.
Business Expansion with Israeli Support
In early 2016, Veysel Kerimoğlu proposed to Mehmet Budak Derya that they engage in drone parts trade. Derya, who reported all his activities to Israeli intelligence, immediately conveyed this proposal to his handlers. This initiative, which also served Israeli interests, saw the initial samples of drone parts provided by Israeli intelligence. Notably, Mohamed Zouari, with whom Mehmet Budak Derya and Veysel Kerimoğlu were attempting to sell drones, was assassinated in Tunisia by Israeli intelligence in December 2016.
Derya Apprehended While Planning Shell Company
In January 2026, Mehmet Budak Derya held a crucial meeting with Israeli intelligence officials abroad, where plans were made to establish a shell company overseas for operational purposes. The objective was to infiltrate international commercial supply chains through these shell companies. The plan involved coordinating the shipment of products, procured from countries designated by Israeli intelligence, to the end-users in their respective countries, also identified by Israeli intelligence.
According to the plan, three legal firms operating in Asian countries would be involved. The first firm would procure the products from the market, store them, and repackage them. The second firm would receive the products from the first firm and store them in its own warehouse for a period. The third firm would then export these products to the company of the end-user, as directed by Israeli intelligence.
The shell company to be established under Mehmet Budak Derya’s management was tasked with overseeing the entire supply chain, from procurement to export, on behalf of Israeli intelligence. During Derya’s last meeting with intelligence officials in January 2026, discussions included establishing the necessary bank account for the shell company, designing its website, opening social media accounts, and researching potential partner firms within this framework.
The arrests underscore Turkey’s ongoing efforts to counter foreign intelligence activities within its borders.
Previous Incidents
- January 5, Monday: A MOSSAD agent causing unrest in Iran was arrested.
- February 6, Friday: Pro-Palestinian celebrities were reportedly blacklisted, with a Zionist website sending a list to a convicted pedophile.
- February 6, Friday: A plan to alter Palestine’s demographics was revealed, with Putin reportedly asked for one million Jews.
- December 8, Monday: Footage was released showing Gofman, the new head of MOSSAD, fleeing in panic on October 7.
