EXCLUSIVE: 29 detained for conspiring with Turkey, joining Muslim Brotherhood

CAIRO – 22 November 2017: Prosecutor General Nabil Sadeq detained 29 individuals, while others remain at large in Egypt and abroad, over accusations of espionage for the Turkish security and intelligence services and attempting to harm Egypt’s supreme national interests, according to the investigations conducted by Egyptian General Intelligence Service (GIS).

The Supreme State Security Prosecution oversaw investigations carried out by the GIS that revealed the international Muslim Brotherhood group is conspiring with the Turkish security and intelligence services, a statement from the prosecution read Wednesday.

“Investigations have revealed the Brotherhood aims to take over power in Egypt by infiltrating and bringing down Egypt’s state institutions,” the statement read.

The statement explained that the individuals undertook their “criminal” activities through conducting illegal overseas calls with the Turkish security and intelligence services, using their data networks. The individuals detained were surveying the conditions within Egypt, both positive and negative, while also surveying the public’s commentary on them.

“In addition to monitoring and recording the opinions of all segments in society concerning these conditions… they were assisted by several Brotherhood members and others within the country and abroad whose services were compensated financially,” according to the statement.

Subsequent to collecting and recording these commentaries, the individuals disseminated fabricated information and statements through media entities that they had created themselves. These statements were aimed at inciting the public against the regime in Egypt.

Furthermore, the statement affirmed that “investigations have intercepted information leaked in calls made to the Turkish security and intelligence services, revealing that elements are being recruited within Egypt to undertake violence within the state.”

The General Prosecution has surveyed and recorded phone calls, meetings and all correspondences carried out between the defendants and the Turkish security and intelligence services for consecutive months. Through surveillance, the General Prosecution was able to unveil links and corporations that were used as cover for the money laundered; facilitating their transfer to the Muslim Brotherhood in order to use them for their illicit activities.

The State Supreme Security Prosecution searched the residences and headquarters of the defendants. Several devices and equipment facilitating their overseas communication were confiscated.

“Electromagnetic wave receptors were also confiscated in addition to nano stations used in rapid speed connection of these devices to international information networks. Several computer monitors with remote surveillance and control systems were confiscated in addition to miniature spyware devices such as video and audio recorders,” the statement affirmed.