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In a sweeping counter-intelligence offensive, Indian security agencies have launched a multi-state crackdown to dismantle Pakistani espionage and cyber operations. Building on the success of Operation Sindoor, the latest driveтАФOperation Ghost SIMтАФhas busted a vast cyber racket aiding PakistanтАЩs intelligence efforts.
Operation Ghost SIM: Cyber Espionage Unmasked
Under Operation Ghost SIM, authorities unmasked a network supplying Indian mobile numbers to Pakistani cyber operatives for use in fake WhatsApp accounts. These accounts were central to phishing scams, social engineering attacks, and intelligence gathering on Indian military activity. So far, seven individuals have been arrested, and 948 SIM cards seizedтАФmost obtained using forged documents and fake identities.
PakistanтАЩs Digital Deception Network Exposed
The operation, spearheaded by Military Intelligence in collaboration with Assam PoliceтАЩs Special Branch and the Special Task Force (STF), revealed how Pakistani agents used Indian SIMs to pose as locals. These operatives contacted civilians, often impersonating government or military personnel, to extract sensitive information. Many victims believed they were speaking to someone within India, unaware the calls were being routed from Pakistan.
Multi-State Raids Strike Deep
Coordinated raids were conducted across Assam, Rajasthan, and Telangana. In addition to hundreds of fraudulent SIMs, authorities seized multiple electronic devices. Another 15 individuals are currently under investigation. Among those arrested are Sadiq, Saajish, Arif Khan, Aqiq, Mohijil, and Zakaria, identified as key operatives in the racket.
Espionage Attempts Foiled
Following the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, where 26 civilians were killed, Pakistani intelligence ramped up efforts to gather operational data in anticipation of an Indian military response. ISI agents reportedly targeted civilians and students in cantonment areas, posing as Indian nationals in attempts to glean information on troop deployments and logistics. Even toll plaza staff were contacted by impostors claiming to be Army officers.
However, heightened vigilance and citizen awareness campaigns paid off. Alert residents flagged suspicious calls, allowing Indian intelligence to intervene before any critical information could be compromised.
Arrests Across the Country: A Broader Web Unravelled
The crackdown extended beyond the northeast. In Bathinda, a tailor in the cantonment area was arrested for espionage. In Jalandhar, Mohammad Murtaza Ali was caught relaying classified data to Pakistani handlers. In Jabalpur, two individuals were detained while filming a sensitive military installation. Several others were apprehended in RajasthanтАЩs border districts.
A Stronger, Smarter Counter-Intelligence Posture
IndiaтАЩs swift, coordinated response underscores a growing capability to detect and neutralize hybrid threatsтАФcombining human intelligence, cyber forensics, and inter-agency coordination. As Pakistani spy networks attempt to exploit digital platforms, IndiaтАЩs agencies are striking back with precision and resilience.
Team BharatShakti
