Big espionage network busted in Ghaziabad, 9 suspects including 5 minors associated with terrorist organizations arrested

Ghaziabad:A case has come to light from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh which has alerted the security agencies. A big spy network involved in anti-national activities has been exposed in Kaushambi area, in which not only adults but also minors have been found involved. After interrogating the accused arrested earlier, the SIT intensified the action and arrested 9 more suspects. These also include 5 minors.

Police have recovered equipment like mobile phones, SIM cards and CCTV cameras from them, which were being used in espionage activities. Investigation has revealed that this gang was connected with each other through WhatsApp groups. Through these groups they were given instructions and information was shared. The accused used to collect photographs, videos and locations of sensitive areas of the country and send them to people sitting abroad.

Wires are connected to many countries

The wires of this espionage network are not limited to Pakistan only, but have also been found to be connected to countries like Dubai, Malaysia and UK. The main operator was controlling this entire network from across the border. Some key suspects are still absconding, their search is on.

Use of fake SIM and technology

The gang members used fake identities and pre-activated SIM cards. Different mobile apps were used to share location and other information. This made it difficult to track their activities. Interrogation has also revealed that the accused had kept an eye on many important places. He has confessed to installing CCTV cameras at places like Delhi Cantt and Sonipat Railway Station. The gang’s plan was to install such cameras at about 50 places across the country, so that continuous monitoring could be done.

were spying in exchange for money

Investigation has also revealed that the accused were paid money in exchange for their work. Instead of sending this amount directly to the account, it was transferred through QR codes of public service centers or shops, so that the transaction could not be traced. Hawala was also used in some cases. The most worrying aspect of this network is that youth and minors were especially being included in it. They were selected for technical work and were gradually made a part of this network.

The arrested accused have been identified as Gagan Kumar, resident of Shastri Nagar, Durgesh of Jainpur, Ganesh, resident of Partapur, Meerut and Vivek, resident of Purnia, Bihar, among others. At the same time, the accused also include 5 minors resident of Ghaziabad, Kaushambi and Meerut. Most of the accused are less educated, while one accused is illiterate.

Impact spread across many states

During interrogation, it has also come to light that the activities of this gang were not limited to Ghaziabad only, but were spread to states like Delhi, Haryana and Maharashtra. After this, security agencies have been alerted in these states also. Police say that the investigation into this case is still going on and more arrests may be made in the coming days. Officials believe that this network is very big and many more links may emerge.