ISTANBUL — Several reports in Turkish media are claiming personnel affiliated with the Gülen Movement have copied confidential projects undertaken by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK).

A tip by a TÜBİTAK employee to the Ministry of Industry and Technology, which oversees the top science body, claimed the Gülen Movement facilitated their followers' employment at the state-of-the-art Marmara Research Vessel of TÜBİTAK in the northwestern Turkish town of Gebze.

Gülenists have also allegedly copied secret projects on national security conducted aboard a vessel belonging to the Ministry of National Defense. They are also accused of illegal eavesdropping by using advanced surveillance technology available aboard the vessel. The TÜBİTAK employee who wrote the letter claims "imams" or top representatives of the movement, held meetings aboard the vessel and the frequency of these meetings increased particularly after the Dec. 17 operation launched by Gülenist prosecutors. Those imams are accused of collecting money from the vessel's crew for the movement.

Media reports said the Ministry of Industry and Technology launched an investigation into the allegations and a criminal investigation may be initiated if allegations are proven true.

The Marmara Research Vessel inaugurated last year is Turkey's first nationally built research vessel. Its missions include the detection of seismic activities, oil exploration, and the cleaning of polluted waters.