A nationwide crackdown on individuals suspected of spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies has resulted in the arrest of several people across India. The arrests include YouTubers, social media influencers, and a businessman, signaling a serious national security concern.

One of the most recent arrests is Shehzad, a businessman from Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh. He was apprehended in Moradabad by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on suspicion of spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to reports, Shehzad was under surveillance following intelligence inputs suggesting his involvement in smuggling across the India-Pakistan border, allegedly under the protection of Islamabad's intelligence establishment. Investigations revealed that he had traveled to Pakistan multiple times and was engaged in illegal cross-border trade of cosmetics, clothing, spices, and other goods. Authorities believe the smuggling operation served as a front for his espionage activities. Shehzad is also accused of establishing close contact with multiple ISI operatives and supplying them with sensitive and confidential information related to India's national security.

Prior to Shehzad's arrest, Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber, was also arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Jyoti, who has a significant following on YouTube and Instagram, was reportedly in contact with a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Investigations revealed that she visited Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam in early 2025, just months before a terror attack.

Another woman, Joti Rani, a travel blogger from Hisar, was also arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives. She has been sent to five days of police remand. Additionally, a youth from Kurushetra, Harikrat Singh, was detained on suspicion of spying for Pakistan but was later released after interrogation.

These arrests highlight the different profiles of individuals allegedly involved in espionage activities. From YouTubers with large online followings to businessmen engaged in cross-border trade, the individuals come from various backgrounds. The investigation also revealed that Shehzad was involved in recruiting and sending individuals from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan under the guise of smuggling. The visas and travel arrangements for these individuals were reportedly facilitated by ISI agents.

The Odisha police are also investigating alleged links between a Puri-based YouTuber and Jyoti Malhotra. The police received information that Jyoti Malhotra had approached a female YouTuber in Puri in September 2024. The woman was from Puri and had also recently visited the Kotapur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan.

The arrests have raised concerns about the extent of Pakistani intelligence networks operating within India and the methods they use to recruit individuals for espionage activities. The ongoing investigations are expected to reveal more details about the network and the extent of the information that was compromised.