Six people detained over project data leaks to foreign defense firms

Six people, including employees of Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), have been detained as part of an investigation concerning the leaking of classified information to foreign defense companies.

Turkish defense firms exhibit weapons systems during a 2019 fair in Kuwait in this file photo.

Duvar English - Anadolu Agency

Six people, including employees of Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), were detained over corruption charges, judicial authorities announced on Jan. 12.

The detentions are part of a joint intelligence and police operation against a group involved in illegal actions in the defense sector, according to a statement by Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Over the course of a year-long probe, the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and police found that some SSB workers leaked information regarding projects, mostly on financial matters, to representatives of certain foreign defense companies for monetary gains, the statement said.

The six detained suspects include former and current SSB employees, as well as officials of defense firms, it added, without mentioning the name of the relevant firms.

A large amount of foreign currency and digital materials were also seized during searches of the individuals’ offices and residences, according to the statement.