13 Navy personnel under scanner in Pakistan-linked espionage probe

VIJAYAWADA: A suspected Pakistan-linked espionage network has triggered a major counter-intelligence operation across Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country, with 18 people under the scanner, including 13 suspected Navy personnel.The state counter-intelligence (CI) wing has launched ‘Operation Firewall-2026’, deploying 12 teams to conduct simultaneous searches across 10 states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The operation is focused on suspected links between the suspected individuals and Pakistan intelligence operatives (PIOs), particularly through encrypted communication platforms.Investigators are probing the alleged targeting of sensitive information related to Indian Navy and defence establishments in Visakhapatnam, a strategically important naval hub on India’s eastern coast. Officials suspect that confidential information may have been collected and shared with Pakistan-linked operatives. Electronic devices were reportedly seized from several suspects during the searches.