Op Firewall: ‘Joshita from Mumbai’, ‘Anvi from Delhi’ and the Pakistani spy trap
Andhra Pradesh police have uncovered a sophisticated espionage network involving Pakistani intelligence operatives targeting Indian naval personnel. The operation, dubbed 'Firewall-2026', utilized fake social media identities and honeytraps to solicit sensitive military information.
Why it matters
This highlights significant national security vulnerabilities regarding digital communication and the exploitation of military personnel by foreign intelligence agencies.
AMARAVATI: What began as a probe into suspected links between individuals in India and Pakistani intelligence operatives has opened up an alleged espionage network spanning multiple states, with naval personnel allegedly targeted through fake identities, honeytrap attempts, monetary inducements and digital tools ranging from Indian SIM cards to WhatsApp activation OTPs.Under “Operation Firewall-2026”, the Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell coordinated with police forces across 10 states and Union Territories while probing the alleged network. Of the 18 suspects identified in the case, 13 are naval personnel, police said.At the centre of the investigation are two women PIO identities — “Joshita Pall”, who purportedly presented herself as a ship-building company employee in Mumbai, and “Anvi Mehta”, who allegedly posed as a psychologist based in Delhi.As per news agency PTI, the alleged operation, according to police material, followed a pattern: establish contact through fake social-media profiles, build familiarity and trust, move the…
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