In a massive counter-intelligence drive, Indian intelligence agencies have busted a far-reaching spy network allegedly operated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting nine people in five states. They include a travel vlogger and student, businessmen, workers, and contract staff at high-security naval facilities.
Diverse Faces, One Network
1. Jyoti Malhotra – The Vlogger from Haryana
Influential YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, whose YouTube channel is dedicated to travel content called “Travel with JO,” was arrested on 17th May in Hisar. She was in continuous contact with Pakistani handlers through WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat—going under aliases such as “Jatt Randhawa.” Sources claim she shared sensitive material and was present at a meeting in Pakistan. Her links to dismissed Pakistani High Commission employee Danish and Pahalgam attack have turned into serious national security issues.
2. Naval Base Staff – Karwar and Kochi
The NIA arrested three contract staff: Vethan Laxman Tandel and Akshay Ravi Naik of Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka, and Abhilash P.A. of Kochi Naval Base, Kerala. The three allegedly shared sensitive defence information for a fee. They used social media websites as their main channel of communication with ISI handlers.
3. Shahzad – Punjab-based businessman
Shahzad, a trader from Punjab, was arrested for allegedly facilitating illegal cross-border operations. Authorities believe he played a key role in establishing local links for information trafficking.
4. Devendra Singh Dhillon – Student
Though few details are public, Dhillon’s arrest underscores ISI’s strategy of targeting educated youth for surveillance and data-gathering.
5. Daily-Wage Laborers – Amritsar
Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, laborers, were detained on suspicion of giving visual and logistical details of military areas. The two were said to have connections with Harpreet Singh, a prisoner in Amritsar jail, believed to have been a middleman for ISI operatives.
6. Moradabad Trader – Uttar Pradesh
On May 19, a trader was detained by the Uttar Pradesh ATS in Moradabad on charges of suspected espionage and cross-border smuggling. Investigators are investigating possible connections to hawala networks.
Modus Operandi: Digital Espionage and Honey-Trapping
The ISI is said to have employed a combination of social engineering, financial incentives, and honey-trap approaches to recruit Indian nationals. A majority of the operatives were contacted on social media with offers of fame or money. The government alerts that the deployment of encrypted apps and advanced psychological maneuvers represents a new threat in counter-espionage operations.
Government Action and Public Advisory
The Ministry of Home Affairs has not excluded further arrests as probes proceed. A senior-level review of defense facility contract employee screening has been launched. People are encouraged to report suspicious online activities and be wary of unsolicited global contact.
The article is authored by Sanjana Singh, a student of St. George College and interning with DC.