The Delhi Police Special Cell has dismantled a Pakistan-based espionage network that procured Indian SIM cards through local contacts, routed them to Pakistan via Dubai, and used them to infiltrate Indian WhatsApp groups and harvest sensitive information, officials said on Friday, 28 August. The operation led to the arrest of a Delhi-based couple — Mohammad Sahil and his wife Sameera — who allegedly worked with Pakistani intelligence operatives from 2024 onwards.

How the Network Operated

According to investigators, the network's method was methodical: Indian SIM cards were sourced through local contacts, physically transported to Pakistan via Dubai, and used there to activate WhatsApp accounts. Pakistani intelligence operatives then used these accounts to gain entry into Indian WhatsApp groups and approach Indian users for sensitive information.

Police confirmed that eight Indian SIM cards were dispatched to Pakistan through this Dubai corridor during 2024 and 2025. The couple was reportedly paid approximately ₹30,000 by their Pakistani handlers for procuring and supplying the cards.

How the Couple Was Recruited

During interrogation, Sahil allegedly told investigators that he first came into contact with a Pakistani agent on Instagram in 2024 — an introduction facilitated through Sameera, whom he subsequently married. That agent reportedly introduced the couple to a Pakistani intelligence operative, who allegedly recruited them into the network with promises of financial rewards.

Sahil was specifically tasked with recruiting individuals for reconnaissance of cantonment areas at various locations across India and with gathering details about Army personnel whose court-martial proceedings were pending before military tribunals — a targeting pattern that suggests a deliberate focus on defence vulnerabilities.

The Arrests and Evidence Recovered

The case came to light after the Special Cell's Northern Range received intelligence about an ISI-backed operative network active in Delhi-NCR. A team led by Inspectors Anuj Nautiyal and Chandan Kumar, working under the supervision of ACP Rahul Kumar Singh, developed the intelligence and identified the alleged local links.

Sahil was arrested from Sarai Kale Khan. Forensic examination of his mobile phone reportedly revealed incriminating conversations with Pakistani agents. Following his interrogation, Sameera was also arrested; she allegedly acknowledged playing a key role in arranging and supplying the SIM cards to the Pakistani handlers.

Two mobile phones used in the alleged espionage activities were recovered. Their forensic examination reportedly yielded WhatsApp chats and other digital communications between the couple and their Pakistani contacts.

Significance and Broader Context

The operation is notable for its exploitation of everyday consumer technology — civilian SIM cards and a mainstream messaging platform — as espionage infrastructure. By routing SIM cards through a third country, the network sought to obscure the Pakistani origin of the WhatsApp accounts, making it harder for Indian platforms and agencies to flag suspicious activity.

This comes amid a broader pattern of documented attempts by Pakistan-based networks to use digital platforms to recruit Indian sources, particularly targeting individuals with proximity to defence establishments. The Special Cell said the operation disrupted the network's alleged espionage activities and exposed its local support structure in Delhi-NCR.

Investigators said interrogation of the accused provided insights into the modus operandi of the Pakistan-based operatives and their use of digital communication platforms for coordination. Further investigation is underway to identify and neutralise any remaining links in the network.