The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the police have detained a former judge in a joint operation for his alleged links to a network accused of attempting a coup in 2016, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday.

Mustafa Karatay, a fugitive wanted for eight years due to his alleged ties to the Gulen movement, was captured at his apartment in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara upon a tip-off, Anadolu reported, citing anonymous security sources.

During the operation, security forces also seized a laptop, tablet, phone, and other digital devices allegedly used by Karatay to communicate with the movement's top leadership.

Karatay was believed to play a key role in the movement. During his career, Karatay allegedly served in critical judicial roles, including presiding over serious criminal cases and holding special authority as a judge.

The movement is allegedly led by and named after Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom his followers regard as a spiritual leader. Ankara has accused the U.S.-based preacher of masterminding the attempted coup on July 15, 2016, in which at least 250 people were killed.

The Turkish government has launched a massive crackdown on suspects with links to the network in the aftermath of the coup attempt.

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