The investigation into the Pakistan-linked espionage network operating out of Ghaziabad has intensified with fresh arrests, further exposing the scale and complexity of the operation. In a significant development, police have taken three more individuals into custody—including a woman and a minor—bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 14. Authorities are now describing this as one of the largest spying networks in India with alleged links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
The newly apprehended suspects have been identified as Naushad Ali, Meera, and a juvenile. According to investigators, Naushad Ali played a central role in orchestrating the espionage activities and is believed to be one of the key masterminds behind the network. His primary responsibility involved recruiting individuals, particularly young people with technical expertise in fields such as mobile phone repair, computer operations, and CCTV installation. He specifically targeted individuals from economically weaker backgrounds, offering them financial incentives to lure them into the operation.
Investigators further revealed that Naushad used social media platforms to identify and approach youths who displayed criminal tendencies but did not have any formal criminal record, making them less likely to attract suspicion. Women were also strategically included in the network to reduce the chances of detection by law enforcement agencies.
One of the arrested individuals, Meera, was reportedly responsible for procuring and supplying weapons to members of the group. She had previously been arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in 2025, but later became actively involved in this espionage network. During the recent arrests, police recovered multiple mobile phones and other digital evidence from the accused, which are now being examined for further leads.
This latest development builds upon earlier action taken on March 14, when Ghaziabad Police had arrested six individuals connected to the same ISI-backed spying module. Among those arrested earlier was Sohail Malik, a resident of Meerut, who is also considered one of the main masterminds of the operation. He allegedly received ₹10,000 for each video clip he transmitted. Another key figure, Mahek—also known as Sane Iram—was involved in recruiting new members into the network and handling payments to operatives alongside Malik.
Additional individuals arrested in the earlier phase of the investigation include Praveen, Raj Valmiki, Shiva Valmiki, and Ritik Gangwa. Law enforcement officials had seized their mobile phones, electronic devices, and relevant documents, which provided crucial evidence and helped uncover the broader structure of the network.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the group had been secretly installing CCTV cameras at strategically sensitive locations, including Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and Sonipat Railway Station. These cameras were allegedly used to capture and transmit real-time footage of army movement, troop deployments, and military equipment. Authorities suspect that the network had plans to expand this surveillance system by installing nearly 50 cameras along a corridor stretching from Delhi to Kashmir, to collect and relay highly sensitive defense-related information.
The espionage operation first came to light when a local beat constable noticed suspicious activities in the area and reported them to senior officials. This initial alert triggered a detailed investigation, which eventually led to the exposure of the network and its alleged connections with Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Further inquiries are ongoing as authorities attempt to identify additional members and fully dismantle the network.
