Istanbul police have reportedly arrested a suspected Israeli spy operative in Türkiye.

The man identified as Liri-don Rexhepi is believed to a Mossad financial manager in the country. Mossad is the Zionist entity’s notorious spy agency which carries out covert strikes.

Turkish newspaper, Daily Sabah reported that the Kosovan national was transferring money to Israeli field agents in Türkiye who were gathering intel for Mossad. They are understood to have used drones to film these targets, led psychological operations against Palestinian politicians and gathered intelligence about the Syrian field.

Rexhepi is the first high-profile Mossad operative nabbed in the country this year. At least 15 other people, mostly Turkish nationals, were arrested and charged early this year for suspected links to Mossad.

There is growing concern that Mossad is recruiting operatives on Turkish soil to target foreign nationals, particularly Hamas members.

Ankara maintains relations with the Palestinian resistance movement despite its diplomatic relation with Zionist Israel.