India espionage crackdown: Extensive ISI spy network uncovered, 12 arrested so far

In a series of coordinated operations across multiple states since the start of India Pakistan conflict, Indian security agencies have unearthed what they describe as an elaborate espionage network working at the behest of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Several individuals have been arrested -- 12 so far -- on charges ranging from spying to facilitating cross-border smuggling and aiding enemy operations.

Shahzad, Businessman

On 19th May, a UP businessman named Shahzad was apprehended by the Special Task Force (STF) for allegedly conducting illegal cross-border trade and espionage activities. According to the STF, Shahzad was engaged in smuggling cosmetics, spices, clothes, and other items from Pakistan over several years, using the trade network as a cover for espionage.

He is accused of transmitting sensitive information related to national security to Pakistani handlers. Investigators revealed that Shahzad provided money and Indian SIM cards to ISI operatives and facilitated the recruitment of Indian nationals from Rampur and other regions for ISI missions. The visas for these individuals were allegedly arranged by ISI agents.

Jyoti Malhotra, Youtuber

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel blogger and YouTuber with over 3.7 lakh subscribers on YouTube and 1.3 lakh followers on Instagram, was arrested by Civil Lines police in Hisar on suspicion of spying for Pakistan. Her channel is called “Travel with JO”.
Sources in the security establishment confirmed that Malhotra had previously been seen in the company of a Pakistani official and was subsequently declared persona non grata by the Indian government.

Authorities allege that Malhotra was involved in gathering intelligence on Indian armed forces and was allegedly spotted in Pahalgam shortly before the terror attack.

Devendra Singh Dhillon, Student

Devendra Singh Dhillon, a postgraduate student from Katihar, was arrested for spying on Indian military establishments. He was arrested in another case where he had uploaded pictures of guns on Facebook. During the course of investigation the spyin According to investigators, Dhillon shared sensitive details about Patiala Air Force Station with Pakistani handlers. Authorities are attempting to retrieve deleted data from his Snapchat account, although incriminating evidence has already been recovered from his Instagram and WhatsApp profiles.

Mobile App Used for Espionage: Murtaza Ali Arrested in Punjab

Mohammad Murtaza Ali was arrested in Jalandhar by Gujarat Police following intelligence inputs that he was relaying information to the ISI via a mobile app he developed. Officials recovered four mobile phones and three SIM cards during the raid. Investigations suggest Ali may have used his tech expertise to streamline espionage communication with his Pakistani handlers.

Additional Arrests in Punjab, Haryana, and UP

Two individuals, Gazala and Yamin Mohammad, were arrested in Punjab on similar espionage charges.

Arman (23) was arrested in Nuh, Haryana on May 16 for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan during a period of high bilateral tension. Police claim to have solid evidence of his involvement.

Nauman Ilahi (24), a security guard from Panipat and originally a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for maintaining contact with an ISI handler and allegedly transferring funds through his brother-in-law's bank account.

Amritsar Daily-Wage Labourers Linked to ISI via Jail Inmate

In Amritsar, Punjab Police arrested Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, two daily-wage labourers, for allegedly leaking sensitive military information. The duo, with a history of drug abuse but no prior criminal records, were reportedly in contact with ISI via Harpreet Singh, an inmate of Amritsar Central Jail.

According to SSP Maninder Singh (Amritsar Rural), the accused received monetary compensation—₹5,000 for minor updates and ₹10,000 for more sensitive data such as troop movements. Singh also revealed that the accused had earlier worked as drug couriers and had since shifted to espionage. Police invoked the Official Secrets Act and Information Technology Act in the case and recovered explosive materials including RDX during the probe.

Two other persons, namely Sukhpreet Singh & Karanbir Singh, have been arrested in Punjab, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav tweeted on May 19. They reportedly shared classified details related to Operation Sindoor, including troop movements and key strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, & Jammu and Kashmir - with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.The latest arrests took the total number of the arrested so far to 12.