Istanbul Anti-Terror Department

Istanbul court arrests 17 policemen in espionage probe

An Istanbul court late Feb. 14 ordered the arrest of 17 of 21 police officers detained with charges of illegal wiretapping and espionage.

The officers were accused of being members an organization, engaging in espionage and attempting to topple the Turkish government.    

The judge released four other officers, but they were banned from leaving the country.

Turkey launches new raids over illegal wiretapping

Turkish police launched a new wave of raids on Feb. 8 in nine provinces against police officers who were accused of illegal wiretapping high-profile figures.

Istanbul prosecutors issued warrants for 21 officers, the official Anatolia news agency said. The raids were focused on Istanbul but also took place in the western province of Afyon and the Black Sea province of Zonguldak.