AP Counter Intelligence probes an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network involving 18 suspects, including 13 Naval personnel. Two persons have been arrested.
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell (AP CIC) is investigating an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network involving 18 suspects, including 13 Naval personnel, with investigators examining the suspected transmission of sensitive information relating to defence establishments, strategic locations and naval assets.
The investigation, part of ‘Operation Firewall–2026’, has so far led to the arrest of two persons. Twelve teams were deployed across 10 States and Union Territories on October 1 to examine the alleged network, according to the AP Counter Intelligence Cell.
The teams conducted searches and inquiries in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Bihar, in coordination with the respective Anti-Terrorism Squads, Naval authorities and local police.
Electronic devices were seized during the operation in accordance with legal procedures, the police said. The involvement of the remaining suspects is being investigated.
The Counter Intelligence Police Station in Vijayawada registered Crime No. 01/2026 on September 2 based on information received about the alleged network.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Official Secrets Act. The investigation is focused on suspected activities having implications for national security, sovereignty and integrity.
According to investigators, Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) allegedly used fake identities on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, to establish contact with defence personnel.
The suspects were allegedly approached through fabricated professional profiles before communications were shifted to WhatsApp. Investigators are examining allegations that voice and video calls, monetary inducements and attempts to establish personal relationships were used to persuade targets to share sensitive information.
The information allegedly sought included the movement and number of naval ships and submarines, photographs and videos of naval assets and sensitive establishments, and details of commanding officers.
Investigators are also examining allegations that attempts were made during video calls to persuade personnel to show restricted areas of naval establishments, ships and submarines.
The investigation material refers to two identities allegedly used by PIOs.
One of them, identified as “Joshita Pall”, allegedly established contact through Facebook and later shifted the communication to WhatsApp. She reportedly claimed to work for a ship-building company in Mumbai and allegedly sought information on naval ships and submarines, including their movement, photographs and details of commanding officers.
Another identity, “Anvi Mehta”, allegedly claimed to be a psychologist based in Delhi. Investigators allege that she attempted to establish contact with Naval personnel through voice and video calls and sought photographs of naval assets and sensitive establishments.
Police said the identities and communications were being examined as part of the alleged modus operandi of the network.
The Counter Intelligence Cell is also investigating an alleged network involving Indian mobile numbers and WhatsApp activation OTPs.
According to the police, some individuals were allegedly offered monetary incentives to share OTPs required for activating WhatsApp accounts. The accounts were allegedly activated in Pakistan and subsequently used to contact other targets.
Investigators suspect that the sharing of OTPs was used to facilitate communication with potential targets and support the alleged espionage network.
The investigators are also examining suspected financial links involving cryptocurrency and intermediaries.
According to the case material, funds allegedly originating from Pakistan were routed through cryptocurrency channels and intermediaries before reaching persons suspected of being part of the network.
The alleged payments are being examined in connection with efforts to obtain sensitive information and secure the cooperation of targeted individuals.
The two persons arrested in the case have been identified as Annam Sai Varaprasad and Pradeep Mukharjee.
Mr. Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver engaged for Naval officers, was arrested in Visakhapatnam. Police allege that he shared sensitive or classified information relating to Naval and defence establishments with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative and received money in connection with the alleged activity.
He was remanded in judicial custody until October 14 and is currently lodged in the District Jail, Visakhapatnam.
Mr. Mukharjee, a Naval employee at the Visakhapatnam Naval base, was arrested in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Police allege that he shared an OTP used to activate a WhatsApp account by a PIO, communicated with suspected intelligence operatives and shared sensitive information relating to Naval and defence establishments.
Following the issuance of a transit warrant by a court in Coimbatore, he was produced before the jurisdictional court in Vijayawada. He was remanded in judicial custody until October 14 and is currently lodged in the District Jail, Vijayawada.
The Counter Intelligence Cell has cautioned people against sharing WhatsApp activation OTPs with unknown persons and against providing sensitive defence-related information to unauthorised individuals.
Police said the investigation highlighted the risks posed by unknown social-media contacts, fabricated professional identities, requests for photographs and videos of defence assets, demands for account activation OTPs and offers of money in exchange for information.
The investigation is continuing and the Counter Intelligence Cell said further details would be disclosed at an appropriate stage, keeping in view the requirements of the investigation and national security.
