7 hrs ago
India Expands Probe Into Suspected Pakistan-Linked Navy Espionage Network
Investigators in India are looking into whether people shared sensitive Navy or defence information with operatives linked to Pakistan.
Eighteen people are under investigation, including 13 suspected Navy personnel.
Two people have been arrested: Navy sailor Pradeep Mukherjee and contract driver Annam Sai Varaprasad.
Authorities allege the two may have passed information, and they are checking whether money was involved.
They are also examining a possible online honeytrap and encrypted messages.
Investigators are reviewing phones, other electronic devices and financial records.
Twelve teams searched in 10 states and Union Territories.
The investigation is still trying to establish what happened and whether more people were involved.
Andhra Pradesh counter-intelligence is investigating 18 people, including 13 suspected Navy personnel, over alleged links to Pakistan intelligence operatives.
Two people have been arrested: Navy sailor Pradeep Mukherjee and civilian Navy contract driver Annam Sai Varaprasad.
Investigators are examining allegations that sensitive Navy or defence information was shared, and whether money changed hands.
The probe includes suspected online honeytrapping, encrypted communications, mobile numbers, electronic devices and financial transactions.
Twelve teams conducted searches across 10 states and Union Territories as part of Operation Firewall 2026.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh counter-intelligence investigators; 18 people are under investigation, including 13 suspected Navy personnel, and two have been arrested.
- What
- A probe into suspected Pakistan-linked espionage and alleged sharing of sensitive Navy and defence information.
- Where
- The investigation spans 10 states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh; arrests were reported in Coimbatore and Visakhapatnam.
- When
- The operation is named Operation Firewall 2026; the articles report the arrests and searches but do not provide a consistent specific date.
- Why
- Investigators are seeking to determine whether sensitive information was shared with Pakistan-linked operatives and whether the suspects were part of a wider network.
Key facts
- People under investigation
- 18, including 13 suspected Navy personnel
- Arrests
- Pradeep Mukherjee and Annam Sai Varaprasad
- Operation
- Operation Firewall 2026
- Search teams
- 12 specialised teams
- Search coverage
- 10 states and Union Territories
- Allegations under examination
- Possible sharing of sensitive information, online contacts, encrypted communications and payments
- Investigation status
- The probe is continuing; investigators are examining devices, communications and financial transactions.
Sources
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