Turkish authorities arrested nine suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into an international cyber-espionage network, security sources said today.
The operation was coordinated by the National Intelligence Organisation, the Gendarmerie General Command and the National Cyber Incident Response Centre, under the supervision of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
A total of 20 people have now been detained in the investigation.
The suspects, facing charges of cyber espionage, sold stolen personal data to buyers, including terrorist organisations, via social media platforms.
Further investigations revealed that organised crime groups were using the stolen data to blackmail citizens, with a particular focus on young people and children.
In response, 18 websites involved in the sale of this illicit information have been taken down.
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