In a major breakthrough against cross-border espionage, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man suspected of being a Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent. The accused, identified as Shahzad Wahab, a trader from Rampur, was apprehended in Moradabad for allegedly working with the ISI under the guise of cross-border trade.
According to the ATS, Shahzad had established close contact with several ISI operatives and frequently traveled to Pakistan, ostensibly for business purposes. During these visits, he reportedly shared sensitive information and facilitated the ISI’s operations inside India.
“He had crossed the border multiple times and maintained strong ties with ISI agents. He also provided Indian SIM cards to them to help with spying activities within Indian territory,” a senior ATS official stated.
Investigators further revealed that Shahzad was involved in the illegal smuggling of goods such as cosmetics, clothes, and spices across the India-Pakistan border. These smuggling activities reportedly served as a cover for his espionage-related operations.
“He used his position as a trader to mask his real intent. Apart from smuggling, he also assisted individuals from Uttar Pradesh in traveling to Pakistan, where they were allegedly lured into anti-national activities,” said the ATS.
Authorities have registered a case against Shahzad under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the espionage network.
The arrest is part of a larger intelligence operation aimed at identifying and dismantling espionage rings operating within India. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests in the coming days.
This incident underscores growing concerns about ISI-linked networks leveraging business and personal travel routes to conduct espionage activities on Indian soil.
