Delhi Police have arrested a 59-year-old man, Mohammad Adil Hussaini, on suspicion of espionage, including having links to a foreign-based nuclear scientist and involvement in a fake passport racket originating from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Hussaini, also known as Syed Adil Hussain, Nasimuddin, and Syed Adil Hussaini, was apprehended in Seemapuri, Delhi.
According to police sources, Hussaini was in contact with a nuclear scientist residing abroad and had traveled to several countries, including Pakistan. He allegedly obtained three identity cards for a sensitive installation using forged documents.
Pramod Singh Kushwah, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), stated that Hussaini and his brother, Akhtar Hussaini, are suspected of providing sensitive information to foreign countries and acquiring multiple Indian passports using fraudulent documents. The alleged network was reportedly operated from Jamshedpur, where fake identity cards and passports were produced using counterfeit documents. During the search, police seized one original and two forged passports from Hussaini. He has been charged under sections 61(2) (Criminal conspiracy), 318 (Cheating), 338 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc) and 340 (Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on October 26. Hussaini has been remanded to seven days of police custody for further investigation.
Authorities are currently investigating the extent of the network and how many individuals were issued fake passports through it. Mumbai Police have arrested Hussaini's brother, Akhtar, who had traveled to Gulf countries and was also involved in obtaining the three identity cards.
The arrest is the latest in a series of actions against individuals suspected of espionage and anti-national activities. In May 2025, a man from Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI, and a travel vlogger was arrested for allegedly sharing details of national interest with Pakistanis. Also in May 2025, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a Thane-based man for providing sensitive information to a Pakistani intelligence operative who had "honey-trapped" him on social media.
These incidents highlight the ongoing concerns about espionage and the efforts by intelligence agencies to gather sensitive information. The Indian government has taken steps to modernize policing and strengthen internal security, including the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which links police stations nationwide to improve coordination and investigation.
