POLICE in Turkey launched a second nationwide wave of raids against fellow officers’ homes today, seizing at least 25 on charges of conducting illegal wiretaps.

TRT television said that teams had stormed police hostels in Istanbul and in 13 provinces across the country, holding warrants to arrest to 33 people.

Over a hundred officers were detained in similar raids last month for allegedly spying on and wiretapping Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other officials. 

Most were later released, but 31 were held in custody pending trial over accusations of illegal wiretaps and forging documents.

Government officials have alleged that the police operations are directed at followers of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who have risen to prominent positions within the police and judiciary.

Mr Erdogan, who is standing for re-election on Sunday, accuses the Gulen movement of being behind corruption allegations targeting his government as part of a “coup” to topple him.