Turkey: 30 detained in 'wiretapping' operation

ANKARA

Thirty people alleged to have illegally wiretapped hundreds of Turkish officials, politicians and journalists were detained in simultaneous operations across the country early Tuesday.

Anti-terror police from Ankara led a broad operation in more than 10 provinces, including Ankara, Izmir and Kayseri, at the request of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor, security sources told Anadolu Agency.

Suspects are accused of illegally wiretapping the communications of 432 people, including businessmen, journalists and politicians from the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, Republican People's Party Party and the Nationalist Movement Party.

Members of the Turkish armed forces, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority, Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, police and Constitutional Court are also said to have been wiretapped.