A businessman from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Shahzad, has been apprehended by the Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) in Moradabad on suspicion of espionage activities and having links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest followed intelligence inputs suggesting Shahzad's involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage.

Shahzad, a resident of Rampur district, is accused of running a covert network for the ISI, using his business as a front for his illicit activities. Investigations reveal that he frequently traveled to Pakistan, purportedly for business purposes. These trips served as a cover for smuggling goods across the border, including cosmetics, clothing, and spices. However, authorities allege that the smuggling operation was primarily a facade for his espionage work.

According to the STF, Shahzad was actively involved in passing sensitive information related to India's national security to his handlers in Pakistan. He is also accused of providing financial assistance and Indian SIM cards to ISI agents operating within India. Furthermore, Shahzad allegedly facilitated the recruitment of individuals from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh to work for the ISI, arranging for their visas to be processed through Pakistani intelligence channels.

The arrest of Shahzad is part of a broader crackdown on individuals suspected of spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies. In recent days, several individuals, including social media influencers and YouTubers, have been taken into custody on similar charges. This heightened vigilance underscores the ongoing concerns about cross-border espionage and the potential use of various platforms for subversive activities.

Shahzad has been charged under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an FIR (No. 04/25) has been registered at Police Station ATS, Lucknow. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of Shahzad's network and the information he may have compromised. This incident highlights the persistent threat of espionage and the need for continued vigilance to safeguard national security. The arrest also throws light on the methods employed by foreign intelligence agencies to gather information and recruit individuals for their operations, emphasizing the importance of robust counter-intelligence measures.