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Probe Details Alleged Pakistan-Linked Naval Spying and Blackmail Network
Police are investigating claims that people linked to Pakistani intelligence tried to get information from people connected to the Indian Navy.
Investigators say two men were contacted online by women using false identities.
They allege the women used personal messages, explicit material and threats to pressure the men.
The men were allegedly asked about naval staff, facilities, and the movements of ships and submarines.
Investigators say WhatsApp accounts were then used to contact at least 16 more people.
Police and naval officials searched homes and seized phones, electronic devices and documents.
The two men have been arrested, while authorities examine how involved the other people were.
These are allegations under investigation.
Investigators say a woman posing as a shipping firm employee contacted civilian contract driver Annam Sai Varaprasad through social media.
They allege she used personal messages, explicit content and threats to pressure him for information about naval personnel and assets.
Investigators say trainee sailor Pradeep Mukharjee was separately approached by an operative posing as a medical professional and allegedly shared information about facilities in Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore.
Authorities say WhatsApp accounts activated using OTPs were used to approach at least 16 other people across several states.
A case was registered on September 2; raids took place on October 1, and Varaprasad and Mukharjee were arrested, investigators say.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence Cell and naval officials are investigating; two arrested men are Annam Sai Varaprasad and Pradeep Mukharjee.
- What
- An alleged Pakistan-linked effort to obtain naval information through online luring, blackmail and WhatsApp accounts.
- Where
- The investigation centers on Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore, with raids and alleged targets across multiple Indian states.
- When
- The case was registered on September 2; raids occurred on October 1, and Varaprasad was arrested on October 6. The article does not specify the year for these dates.
- Why
- Investigators say the operatives sought information about naval personnel, facilities, and the movements of ships and submarines.
Key facts
- Operation
- Operation Firewall 2026
- Case registered
- September 2
- Raids
- October 1, at residences of 18 people
- Naval personnel among those raided
- 13
- Arrests reported
- Annam Sai Varaprasad in Visakhapatnam and Pradeep Mukharjee in Coimbatore
- Other people contacted
- At least 16, according to investigators
- Evidence seized
- Phones, electronic devices and documents
Sources
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