Stories
Andhra Police Bust Pakistan-Linked Spy Ring In Operation Firewall, Two Arrested
- •The Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell uncovered a Pakistan-linked espionage network targeting Indian Defence personnel under Operation Firewall-2026.
- •Female Pakistan Intelligence Operatives used fake social media profiles on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to honeytrap naval personnel and extract sensitive information.
- •Operatives sought details on naval ships, submarines, Commanding Officers, and even requested WhatsApp OTPs in exchange for cryptocurrency and monetary incentives.
- •Twelve AP CI teams deployed across 10 states and Union Territories raided locations in coordination with state ATS units, naval officials, and local police, seizing electronic devices.
- •Two individuals have been arrested so far: Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver in Visakhapatnam, and Pradeep Mukharjee, a naval employee arrested in Coimbatore.
Key Questions Answered
Operation Firewall-2026 is an ongoing investigation launched on October 1 by the Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell that uncovered an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network targeting Indian Defence personnel.
Female Pakistan Intelligence Operatives used fake social media profiles on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to befriend targets before shifting conversations to WhatsApp, where they honeytrapped personnel and induced them to share classified information.
The AP CI Cell arrested Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver for naval officers in Visakhapatnam, and Pradeep Mukharjee, a naval employee at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base arrested in Coimbatore for sharing sensitive information and WhatsApp OTPs with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives.
