Archive · 22 Aug 2026
ISI Uses Luxury Lifestyle Promises to Recruit Indian Youth
Officials say some recruiters try to attract young people by showing pictures of expensive cars, homes and clothes.
They promise money, power and respect.
Unemployed or frustrated youth may find these promises tempting.
The recruiters may then ask them to help with criminal or terror-related activities.
According to officials, many recruits are paid much less than promised.
Some are threatened or blackmailed when they try to leave.
Shehzad Bhatti was described as one recruiter who targeted people with criminal backgrounds.
Indian agencies recently arrested more than 250 people in a related case.
Officials say vulnerable juveniles should receive counseling and rehabilitation so they do not become more deeply involved in crime.
Intelligence Bureau officials say ISI-backed recruiters flaunt luxury cars, homes and clothing to attract unemployed Indian youth.
Recruiters allegedly target frustrated young people by promising money, power, respect and entry into criminal syndicates.
Officials say recruits often receive little money and are later blackmailed with threats of arrest or exposure.
Influencer-turned-recruiter Shehzad Bhatti allegedly targeted youth with criminal backgrounds and flaunted his wealth.
Indian agencies recently dismantled a related module, making more than 250 arrests, while officials urged reformative treatment for juveniles.
- Who
- ISI-backed recruiters, unemployed and frustrated Indian youth, Indian intelligence and security agencies, and recruiter Shehzad Bhatti.
- What
- A reported recruitment strategy uses displays of wealth, promises of status and money, and later threats to draw young people into terror or criminal networks.
- When
- The article does not provide a specific date; it says the related module was recently busted.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Officials say recruiters target vulnerable youth seeking employment, money, respect and social validation.
- Recruitment appeal
- Luxury cars, lavish homes, expensive clothing, money, power and social respect.
- Target group
- Unemployed, frustrated youth, including some juveniles and people with criminal backgrounds.
- Reported coercion
- Officials say recruits may be paid little and later blackmailed with threats of arrest or exposure.
- Named recruiter
- Shehzad Bhatti, described as an influencer turned terror recruiter.
- Arrests
- More than 250 arrests were reportedly made when a related module was dismantled.
- Recommended response
- Officials called for counseling and a reformative approach, particularly for juveniles.
- Law cited
- The article cites Section 2(12) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, concerning people under 18.