Pakistani security agencies on Monday sentenced three individuals accused of espionage for India’s intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The suspects hail from Narowal and Bahawalpur in Punjab, as well as Neelum district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The arrests occurred during a targeted operation by security forces, who continue to actively counter both internal and external threats. Investigations revealed that the accused were drawn into spying through honey trap tactics. During interrogation, they admitted being approached on specific social media platforms where women, linked to RAW, enticed them with monetary rewards to share sensitive information.
Payments to the suspects were reportedly made via Easypaisa, cryptocurrency wallets, and bank transfers. The individuals also confessed to maintaining ongoing contact with these women through social media channels. Legal action was taken under the Official Secrets Act, culminating in their sentencing.
Security analysts highlighted that India employs such strategies to manipulate unsuspecting citizens by offering financial incentives and using honey traps for intelligence gathering. They pointed out that similar incidents in the past have exposed efforts by Indian operatives to infiltrate Pakistan’s sensitive information networks through covert means. Additionally, evidence has previously emerged implicating serving Indian officials in espionage activities targeting Pakistan.
Experts have urged the public to exercise heightened caution when using social media platforms and to remain alert to the tactics used by hostile intelligence agencies to exploit individuals for espionage purposes.
