Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A comprehensive investigation by Haryana Police into a high-profile espionage ring has revealed the sophisticated methods used by Pakistani intelligence to "honey-trap" and recruit Indian citizens for spying activities. The probe, connected to the recent arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and several others, uncovers a well-established playbook for luring individuals through social media.
The operation follows a classic "honey-trap" strategy, updated for the digital age. Pakistani intelligence operatives create fake social media profiles, often posing as attractive women. They then initiate contact with their targets—who can be anyone from army personnel to ordinary civilians—and begin building a relationship.
Over time, this digital friendship is cultivated into a deeper, often romantic or intimate, online relationship. Once trust is established, the Pakistani handlers begin to manipulate their targets. They make requests for seemingly harmless information, which gradually escalate to demands for sensitive and classified data, such as troop movements, photographs of military installations, and confidential documents. In many instances, the targets are later blackmailed or offered money in exchange for their cooperation.
The ongoing investigation by the Hisar police provides a clear case study. It began with the arrest of an army soldier, Mohit Yadav. His interrogation led police to an army clerk, Anil Kumar, and a civilian, Pawan Kumar. Their questioning, in turn, implicated Delhi-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was allegedly receiving funds from foreign sources to procure and pass on secret information.
This case serves as a stark warning about the pervasive threat of online espionage. It highlights how foreign intelligence agencies are exploiting the anonymity and accessibility of social media to compromise national security, turning unsuspecting citizens and service members into sources for intelligence.
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