UP Man Held for Spying and Smuggling for Pakistan’s ISI
A major espionage operation has been uncovered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), resulting in the arrest of Shehzad, a resident of Rampur, on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest was made in Moradabad based on specific intelligence indicating his involvement in cross-border smuggling and intelligence sharing with Pakistan.
Shehzad Accused of Espionage Under Smuggling Cover
According to ATS officials, Shehzad had visited Pakistan multiple times and was involved in the smuggling of items such as cosmetics, spices, and garments. These activities, however, were allegedly a front for a deeper operation involving espionage.
Authorities say that Shehzad was actively passing sensitive security-related information to Pakistani handlers. His frequent visits and unmonitored smuggling activity allowed him to gather and transmit information undetected for an extended period.
Links to ISI and Recruitment Operations
Investigators have revealed that Shehzad maintained contact with multiple ISI operatives and even helped facilitate the travel of Indian nationals to Pakistan under the guise of smuggling. These individuals, primarily from Rampur and adjoining regions, were believed to be recruited or groomed for ISI-related missions.
He also helped arrange visa and travel documents for them with support from ISI-linked sources. In addition, Shehzad is accused of funnelling money to suspected Pakistani agents operating inside India.
ATS Files Charges, Investigation Expands
Shehzad has been charged under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He was produced before a magistrate in Lucknow, and formal legal proceedings have commenced.
The UP ATS has expanded its investigation to identify the full extent of Shehzad’s network, including possible collaborators and beneficiaries of his cross-border operations. Digital forensics and financial transaction trails are also being scrutinized.
This arrest marks another concerning instance of ISI’s growing attempts to exploit local individuals for intelligence operations and underscores the persistent threat posed by cross-border espionage networks in India.
