Turkey Uncovers Sophisticated Chinese Spy Ring  to Monitor Uyghurs and Officials

Ankara, MEE, Turkish press – Turkish intelligence has dismantled a highly organized Chinese espionage ring accused of using fake mobile base stations to eavesdrop on Uyghur communities and Turkish public officials in multiple cities across the country. The covert operation, described as one of the most advanced cyber-espionage cases uncovered in Turkey, targeted strategic individuals through a network of devices known as IMSI-catchers, or “ghost base stations.”

Seven Chinese Nationals Arrested in Coordinated Operation

Earlier this month, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) apprehended seven Chinese nationals, seizing vehicles outfitted with fake mobile towers used for mass surveillance. According to security sources, these operatives deployed sophisticated electronic tools capable of intercepting communications, call logs, location data, and even messages from phones within close range.

The ring’s suspected leader, a Chinese national identified as Zhenhua Liu (ZL), allegedly entered Turkey five years ago. He is believed to have established shell companies—including logistics and import-export firms—to serve as fronts for espionage operations. During that time, he reportedly learned Turkish and built a surveillance network that extended across Istanbul, Izmir, Manisa, Balikesir, and Bursa.

How the Fake Towers Worked

The surveillance devices, disguised as legitimate cellular infrastructure, tricked nearby phones into connecting. Once linked, the devices could extract communication content and transmit it to handlers in mainland China. Intelligence sources claim that the intercepted data was forwarded to a command center referred to by the operatives as “the big boss.“

The IMSI-catcher equipment was reportedly smuggled into Turkey in parts to avoid customs detection. Antennas, power units, and signal processors were transported separately by different couriers, often on separate flights.

Uyghurs and Public Officials Were Prime Targets

According to MIT, the Chinese ring specifically targeted Uyghur Turks living in Turkey—especially those perceived by Beijing as opposing Chinese interests. The spies monitored their calls, contacts, travel patterns, and social circles. Turkish officials believed to be in contact with Uyghurs or related NGOs were also placed under surveillance.

While the operation’s ringleader, ZL, is believed to be a trained intelligence officer, other operatives had little or no formal background. For instance, Wu Renjun (WR) claimed to be an elevator repairman in China, while Zuowei Qiu (ZYB), with only a primary education, was reportedly tasked with moving and activating the surveillance units.

Despite denying knowledge of each other, investigators uncovered evidence that the suspects met regularly and coordinated their activities.

Fake SMS Campaign and Financial Exploitation

MIT began investigating after GSM operator users reported receiving suspicious messages, often spoofed to appear as if they were from government agencies or banks. A technical analysis revealed these phishing attacks originated from the fake base stations.

The communication data harvested through these devices was linked to credit card theft, financial fraud, and data harvesting, with many victims unknowingly exposing their sensitive information.

A Step Above Previous Spy Rings

Security officials emphasized the Chinese operation’s complexity compared to earlier espionage incidents involving Israeli or Iranian intelligence, which often relied on local contractors for physical surveillance or GPS tracking.

“This network functioned like a professional security agency,” CNN Türk reporter Nihat Uludağ stated. “Forget Mossad or Iranian operatives—these agents used high-grade electronic warfare methods, smuggled hardware, and real-time data relay to China.”

Ongoing Forensic Analysis and Diplomatic Sensitivities

The seized electronic equipment and digital materials are now undergoing forensic analysis. Turkish authorities continue to investigate the wider network and potential diplomatic ramifications.

The arrested individuals, according to CNN Türk, are: Zhenhua Liu, Wu Zhiyong, Wu Renjun, Xiongqiang Xiao, Zuowei Qiu, Ma Xiuping, and Deyuan Zou. All were detained in Istanbul while attempting to deploy a fake base station.

Turkey hosts one of the largest Uyghur diaspora populations in the world. Many fled to escape China’s repression, which rights groups have labeled a genocide, particularly after 2014. While China denies these accusations, the surveillance of Uyghur communities abroad continues to raise alarms.

Last year, Turkish authorities also arrested seven Uyghurs accused of spying for China. In that case, the individuals claimed they were forced to collaborate under threats to their families.

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