In a deepening espionage scandal, Shahzad, a businessman from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly working as a spy for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His arrest follows the recent detention of travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra and signals an expanding intelligence network targeting India.
The arrest was made by the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) from Moradabad based on inputs pointing to Shahzad’s involvement in cross-border smuggling and covert operations for Pakistan.
Spy Network Behind Cross-Border Trade
According to the STF, Shahzad had made multiple trips to Pakistan under the guise of a trader dealing in cosmetics, clothing, and spices. Investigators allege that his commercial activities were merely a front for espionage.
“He was actively providing sensitive national security-related information to ISI handlers and playing a critical role in supporting their operations within India,” the STF said in an official statement.
Shahzad also facilitated logistics for ISI agents operating in India, allegedly supplying them with Indian SIM cards and cash.
Human Resources for ISI Operations
The STF’s investigation unearthed another disturbing detail — Shahzad was reportedly sending individuals from Rampur and other areas of Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan, where they would be recruited by the ISI.
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“The visas for these operatives were arranged by ISI agents themselves,” the STF said, pointing to a sophisticated recruitment network.
Authorities are now tracking the movements of those individuals sent abroad and are probing how many may have returned as active operatives.
Jyoti Malhotra Case Tied to Larger Network
Shahzad’s arrest comes on the heels of the high-profile detention of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was accused of sharing intelligence with Pakistan. Malhotra, with over 377,000 YouTube subscribers, had travelled to Pakistan and was allegedly romantically linked to an ISI operative posted at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
Her videos from Lahore and the Katas Raj Temple, including titles such as “Indian Girl in Pakistan” and “Indian Girl Rides Luxury Bus in Pakistan”, are now considered part of a soft propaganda effort driven by Pakistani handlers.
India expelled the Pakistani official she was in contact with on May 13, coinciding with the downgrading of India-Pakistan diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Rising Espionage Threat Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
These developments come as India grapples with heightened tensions with Pakistan, particularly after launching Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
The Shahzad and Malhotra cases appear to be linked parts of a coordinated ISI campaign to penetrate India’s civil society using businessmen, digital influencers, and visa manipulation.
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Security officials have called for increased surveillance at border entry points, deeper vetting of visa processes, and stricter monitoring of digital platforms.
“From YouTubers to traders, the ISI is expanding its reach by exploiting civilian fronts,” said a senior intelligence officer.
A broader nationwide crackdown on espionage suspects is now underway, with multiple agencies working in coordination to neutralize threats posed by covert ISI cells operating on Indian soil.
