ISI Targets High-Ranking Officials in Honeytrap Spy Scheme
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The ISI is engaging India in an unconventional warfare by utilizing social media platforms to extract sensitive data.
Creating modules for honeytrapping officials is not a novel tactic; however, Indian intelligence agencies have found that the ISI is currently operating at an accelerated pace.
Pakistan has previously attempted to uncover sensitive information multiple times, but this time, the major focus appears to be on gathering intelligence concerning India’s defense sector.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau noted that the trend observed indicates the ISI is targeting higher-ranking officials rather than lower-ranked army personnel. This strategy is due to the access these officials have to highly sensitive information.
Recent instances have revealed that Pakistan is keen on acquiring details about future defense procurements, drone technology, and confidential communications involving top officials and those in the defense ministry.
Another intelligence official mentioned that the ISI intends to conduct these operations from within India rather than Pakistan. They have directed their agents in India to recruit women from areas such as Delhi, the Northeast, and Uttar Pradesh to engage in these activities.
Moreover, the ISI aims to enlist numerous agents throughout the country, particularly in sensitive locations, focusing primarily on the defense sector, the official stated.
Authorities believe that this initiative has been developing since 2018, with modules established in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The members of these modules have been actively scouting for recruits, although their operations were temporarily hindered by several crackdowns from Indian agencies.
Despite a brief lull, Indian intelligence units have observed a surge in activity in recent months. The ISI has been offering substantial sums of money to the potential recruits it seeks. Officials suggest that the financial allocation for this operation is significant, aimed at attracting high-ranking individuals to elicit highly classified information.
India’s intelligence agencies are on high alert, making every effort to ensure that this extensive plan by the ISI does not succeed.