Two arrested; 13 Navy personnel among 18 under scanner for alleged leaks to Pakistan intelligence operatives
Indian authorities have uncovered an espionage ring involving 18 individuals, including 13 Navy personnel, suspected of leaking sensitive defense information to Pakistani intelligence. Two suspects have been arrested under national security laws.
Why it matters
This is a significant national security breach involving military personnel and foreign intelligence, highlighting ongoing regional geopolitical tensions.
The Counter Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the Andhra Pradesh Intelligence Department has uncovered an espionage module in which 18 people including 13 Navy personnel are suspected of passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Two of them have been arrested.
The suspects were allegedly sharing information related to defence establishments and strategic locations at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base and other parts of the country with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), the intelligence officials said in a release on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).
Acting on a tip-off, the Counter Intelligence police in Vijayawada registered a case under Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and other provisions of the BNS.
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