The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a man named Shahzad on charges of espionage, accusing him of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into a wider espionage network operating in India.
According to police sources, Shahzad had made multiple visits to Pakistan in recent years under the guise of the textile trade. During these trips, he allegedly smuggled textiles and other items while simultaneously engaging in espionage activities. Investigators have found evidence that he supplied ISI agents in India with Indian SIM cards and financial support, further facilitating covert operations.
Authorities revealed that Shahzad coerced several locals in his area to act as informants for Pakistani intelligence. His arrest follows the recent apprehension of six individuals, including popular YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, for allegedly sharing confidential information with Pakistan.
Jyoti Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Joe,” reportedly visited Pakistan in 2023. During her visit, she developed a close association with Danish, also known as Ehsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistani national employed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Investigations have shown that Danish played a key role in introducing Jyoti to Pakistani intelligence operatives.
The union government, following these revelations, expelled Danish from India on May 13, 2025, as part of the wider counter-intelligence effort codenamed Operation Sindoor. The operation aims to dismantle espionage networks and expose foreign agents working under diplomatic cover.
Authorities are now probing possible links between Shahzad and the six others arrested earlier, suggesting a coordinated network facilitated through diplomatic and social channels. The STF and central intelligence agencies are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the espionage ring. Further arrests are expected as surveillance deepens across affected regions.
