Turkey spy case highlights growing Israel-Kosovo ties

Last week's arrest by Turkish security forces of a Kosovo citizen for allegedly collaborating with Israeli intelligence has highlighted Israel's close ties with the Balkan country and its suspected espionage activities there.

Turkish security sources believe that Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency, has been using Eastern European countries, particularly Kosovo, to finance its informants and operatives on the ground in Turkey.

The arrest of Liridon Rexhepi on 30 August was the result of months of work by Turkish intelligence, who had been monitoring Rexhepi's transactions, including payments to local informants spying on Palestinian politicians and recording them via drones.

The informants were said to also be gathering information on the situation in Syria.

Turkish intelligence monitored Rexhepi after he entered Turkey on 25 August, and tracked his money transfers to field personnel via Western Union, according to sources.

Read more: Turkey spy case highlights growing Israel-Kosovo ties