Espionage Activities Involving Indian SIM Cards
Central Intelligence agencies have discovered that operatives based in Pakistan have been using Indian SIM cards to communicate with Indian Army personnel.
Investigation Details
- Operatives reached out to about 75 Indian Army personnel mainly through WhatsApp.
- No substantial evidence has been found to prove the personnel's involvement in espionage.
Source of the SIM Cards
- SIM cards were smuggled out by a Nepal national named Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya.
- The cards were procured from Bihar and Maharashtra, primarily registered in Latur district.
- These were handed over to ISI handlers in Kathmandu and used for espionage purposes.
Role of Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya
- Arrested on August 28 in Delhi.
- Came into contact with ISI handlers in 2024, lured by promises of a US visa and journalism opportunities abroad.
- Tasked with supplying SIM cards and gathering information on DRDO and Army establishments.
Previous Related Incidents
- CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Moti Ram Jat was arrested earlier this year for sharing classified information with a PIO.
- His ISI handler was linked to other personnel in Indian Army and Government departments.
This case highlights an ongoing pattern of espionage attempts involving the misuse of communication technologies.
