Investigators probing the alleged espionage network in Visakhapatnam have uncovered what they describe as a sophisticated honey-trapping operation targeting civilians and naval personnel. According to the investigation, Pakistan-based intelligence operatives allegedly used social media and WhatsApp to establish relationships, obtain sensitive information and subsequently blackmail individuals. The Indian Express

One of the arrested accused, Annam Sai Varaprasad, 28, was a contract-based driver who transported naval officers at the Visakhapatnam naval base. Investigators allege that a woman operative posing as an employee of a shipping company contacted him through social media and gradually sought information about his work and the officials he drove. He was later allegedly threatened and blackmailed into providing details about naval assets and personnel. The Indian Express

Another accused, Pradeep Mukharjee, 31, a trainee sailor, was allegedly targeted by an operative posing as a medical professional. Investigators say he was allegedly pressured into sharing information related to facilities in Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore and was also allegedly forced to provide OTPs that helped activate WhatsApp accounts used by the operatives. The Indian Express

According to investigators, those WhatsApp accounts were subsequently used to target at least 16 other people across several States, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. The information allegedly sought included details concerning the movement of naval ships and submarines. The Indian Express

The Andhra Pradesh Counter-Intelligence Cell and naval officials reportedly monitored the two arrested men before their arrests on October 6. Earlier, on October 1, simultaneous searches were conducted at the residences of 18 people, including 13 naval personnel, under “Operation Firewall 2026.” Investigators seized phones, electronic devices and documents as they continued to establish the extent of the alleged network. The Indian Express

The allegations remain under investigation, and the involvement of the other persons being examined has not yet been established.