The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Tuesday the dismantling of a spy cell operating on behalf of the United Arab Emirates intelligence. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Istanbul Police Anti-Terror Branch.

According to the statement, the cell used locally obtained phone numbers to create fake accounts aimed at collecting sensitive information about officials in Turkey’s defense industry institutions and attempting to access personnel in strategic positions, including gathering biographical data.

The operation led to the detention of three out of four suspects, while the fourth suspect is currently abroad and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that evidence related to espionage activities has been secured.