In early May, Turkey’s intelligence agency announced the on-the-spot arrest of seven Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in espionage activities.

According to the agency, some members of the group entered Turkey in March. The ringleader, identified by the initials Z.L., arrived in Turkey five years ago and began reconnaissance and preparations, including setting up shell companies in logistics and import-export sectors, and learning the Turkish language.

The suspects were found in possession of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers in their vehicle. These devices mimic the signal of legitimate cell towers. When a target phone comes within 50 meters of the active “ghost base station,” it will mistakenly connects to it, thinking it is a normal tower. The catcher then collects data from the phone, including call logs, conversations, location coordinates, and other information. The intercepted data were transmitted directly to a contact inside China, whom the suspects referred to as “the boss.”

Turkey is home to a large population of Uyghurs who have fled China. This espionage group’s main targets were Chinese Uyghurs living in exile in Turkey. They also reportedly targeted Turkish government officials, attempting to identify those with ties to Uyghur individuals or groups, and gathering other sensitive information.

Source: Epoch Times, May 22, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/5/22/n14515781.htm