Eight suspects accused of spying for the Israeli intelligence service Mossad were detained in a joint operation by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Istanbul police, Turkish authorities said Friday.

The suspects were gathering information on Mossad targets including individuals and companies, in Turkey and sending reports to the Israeli agency, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X, the Daily Sabah reported. 

Two were arrested while six were released under judicial control.

Turkey has recently ramped up targeting alleged Mossad members inside the country.

Ankara fears Mossad is recruiting operatives on Turkish territory to target foreign nationals. 

A Turkish court in January ordered the arrest of 15 people and the deportation of eight suspected of having links to Mossad and targeting Palestinians living in Turkey.