NEWS – “without comment”
Turkey busts Chinese spying ring using fake cell towers
Officials say it’s the most sophisticated espionage cell uncovered and used IMSI-catcher devices to eavesdrop on Uyghur and Turkish targets in Istanbul and Izmir.
By Ragip Soylu in Ankara
Published: 21 May 2025
A Chinese intelligence ring was shattered in Turkey after its operatives reportedly eavesdropped on Uyghurs and Turkish officials using fake mobile towers.
Turkish intelligence announced earlier this month that it had caught seven suspects red-handed.
Their vehicles were found carrying IMSI-catcher devices, which function as fake base stations to collect data, phone logs, conversations, and other information from nearby phones.
Intelligence sources indicated that some members of the ring had entered Turkey in March. However, a CNN Turk report on Tuesday revealed that the operation had been active for the past five years.
The cell’s leader, a Chinese citizen identified by the initials ZL, allegedly arrived in Turkey five years ago to establish the groundwork for the intelligence operation. This included setting up shell companies, such as a logistics firm and an import-export company, and learning Turkish to better coordinate the efforts.
The report stated that the suspects, all Chinese citizens, established a sophisticated operation that was self-funded by preying on regular Turkish citizens.
IMSI-catcher devices mimic legitimate mobile phone tower signals. When a target’s phone comes within approximately 50 metres of an active ghost base station, it connects to the device, believing it to be a normal cell tower.
The intercepted data, including communication details and location coordinates, was reportedly sent directly to a handler in China, whom the spies referred to as the “big boss”.
While authorities believe ZL was a specially trained spy, other members did not appear to have specific talents.
Turkish officials believe this ring represents one of the most comprehensive spying operations uncovered in Turkey to date.
They contrasted it with other espionage rings, such as those linked to Israelis and Iranians, which typically hired private detectives or local operatives for simpler tasks like placing GPS devices on targeted cars, conducting visual surveillance, or attempting kidnappings.
Full Article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-busts-chinese-spying-ring-using-fake-cell-towers
Posted by: Ian (D. Withers)
www.WAPI.org