Mossad foiled: Turkish intelligence thwarts covert operation to kidnap Gaza hacker

Türkiye 's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) successfully thwarted a Mossad-led operation in Malaysia aimed at abducting Omar Z. M. A., a brilliant hacker from Gaza.

The covert mission unfolded against the backdrop of cyber warfare and geopolitical tensions, revealing a web of intrigue that spanned multiple countries.

IRON DOME BREACHED: A HACKER'S COUP

Omar Z. M. A., a graduate of Gaza Islamic University with a specialty in computer science, emerged as a central figure in the unfolding narrative. In a daring move, he successfully compromised Israel's renowned military air defense system, the Iron Dome, causing temporary disruptions in 2015-2016. The incident drew the attention of Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, which sought to recruit Omar for its covert operations.

RECRUITMENT ATTEMPTS

The Mossad's elaborate plan began in 2019 when a fake Norwegian software company extended a job offer to Omar. The offer, orchestrated by Mossad agent Raed Ghazal, aimed to establish contact and later recruit Omar for intelligence activities. However, Omar's cautious approach led him to decline a subsequent job offer in Montenegro, exposing the complexity of Mossad's recruitment tactics.

ISTANBUL - THE HUB OF ESPIONAGE

Omar's relocation to Istanbul in 2020 presented Mossad with a golden opportunity to intensify their efforts. Under the guise of a French company named Think Hire, Mossad agent Omar Shalabi posed as an HR representative, conducting face-to-face meetings in Istanbul's bustling shopping malls. Their objective: to bring Omar to Tel Aviv.

THE MALAYSIAN SHOWDOWN

The Mossad operation reached its climax in Malaysia, where Omar was abducted near the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Utilizing two separate groups led by a woman, Mossad orchestrated the abduction and transported Omar to a secluded location in Selangor. There, he faced intense interrogation as Mossad sought both information and potential recruitment for their intelligence endeavors.

MIT'S INTERVENTION: THE TWIST IN THE TALE

In an unexpected turn of events, Türkiye 's National Intelligence Organization stepped in to foil Mossad's plans. The Istanbul branch of MİT's Counterintelligence Department intercepted the abduction attempt, thwarting Mossad's efforts to capture Omar which led to free him and moving him back to Istanbul.