Two espionage modules tasked with transmitting India's military data to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have been busted in Punjab. The groups were using modern Chinese technology to spy for Pakistan, reports said.
The Counter Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police arrested an individual in Jalandhar, which led to the busting of the first module, while the second operation was carried out by the Kapurthala Police in a joint operation with a central agency, resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
In Jalandhar, a China-made CCTV camera along with a USB-connecting solar plate with 4G connectivity was seized from the arrested individual's possession. He was identified as Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sukha, a resident of the village of Sahanke in Ferozepur.
Four mobile phones linked to foreign handlers, as well as one SIM-based CCTV camera and one Wi-Fi set, were among the items seized in Kapurthala. The arrested individuals were Sona, a resident of Dona Mattar in Ferozepur, and Sandeep Singh, alias Sonu, a resident of the village of Chhanga Khurd in Ferozepur. They had rented a shop to install a SIM-based camera on a nearby pole to monitor military movements.
Chinese tech used
The investigation revealed that a Pakistan-based handler, identified as 'Fauji', provided ₹35,000 to the accused for the camera installation, PTI said, citing the Punjab Police.
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Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told the press that these modules were installing SIM-based and solar-powered CCTV cameras at various locations to monitor sensitive sites, including establishments linked to defence forces, and transmitting live footage to Pakistan-based handlers through mobile applications.
"These Chinese cameras are ideal for off-grid surveillance as they operate via 4G connectivity and solar power, bypassing the need for traditional wiring," he pointed out.