Visakhapatnam Spy Case: Probe Reveals How Pakistani Women Operatives Allegedly Honey-Trapped Navy Personnel

Visakhapatnam Espionage Case: How Pakistani Operatives Allegedly Honey-Trapped Navy Personnel to Obtain Sensitive Information

Investigators probing the alleged espionage network in Visakhapatnam have uncovered a suspected operation in which Pakistan-based intelligence operatives allegedly used social media, sexually explicit messages and blackmail to extract information from civilians and Indian Navy personnel. The information sought reportedly included details about naval installations and the movement of warships and submarines.

According to investigators, one of the alleged targets was Annam Sai Varaprasad, 28, a contract worker employed to drive vehicles for naval officers at the Visakhapatnam naval base. Around six months ago, a woman allegedly posing as an employee of a shipping company contacted him through social media.

The woman reportedly claimed to be from a neighbouring state and initially engaged him in conversations about his personal life, including where he lived and why he was unmarried. Investigators said the discussion gradually shifted to his employment, salary and the vehicles he drove.

The woman allegedly began sending sexually explicit content and promised to meet him in Visakhapatnam. As their conversations continued, she reportedly sought information about the naval officers he drove and their work.

Investigators allege that Varaprasad was subsequently threatened with exposure to his employers and possible arrest. He was allegedly blackmailed into sharing information about the locations of naval assets and the deployment of personnel.

The communication reportedly moved from social media to WhatsApp. Investigators said Varaprasad had only basic security clearance and did not have direct access to classified information about naval vessels or submarine movements.

The Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence Cell, working with naval officials, monitored him for more than a month before arresting him on October 6. Authorities are also examining his mobile phone to determine whether he received payments through cryptocurrency.

Trainee sailor allegedly targeted through a fake medical identity

Investigators have also alleged that Varaprasad provided information about Pradeep Mukharjee, 31, a trainee sailor he had met at the Visakhapatnam naval base.

Mukharjee was allegedly approached by another Pakistan-based intelligence operative who posed as a medical professional. According to investigators, the operative used sexually explicit exchanges and subsequent threats of arrest and legal action to pressure him into cooperating.

Mukharjee allegedly shared information concerning naval facilities in Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore, where he was attending a training course.

Investigators further claim that he was pressured into sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) to activate WhatsApp accounts used by Pakistani operatives. He was allegedly threatened during a voice call when he attempted to stop cooperating.

WhatsApp accounts allegedly used to target 16 others

According to investigators, the WhatsApp numbers activated through the alleged scheme were subsequently used to approach and entrap at least 16 other individuals through similar methods.

The suspected targets included employees posted in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.

Investigators said the operatives sought information about naval installations and the movements of warships and submarines, including details relating to vessels arriving at or departing from naval facilities.

Authorities are examining the extent of the information allegedly shared by each individual and whether any classified material was compromised.

Operation Firewall 2026: Raids across multiple locations

Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell officials said they registered a case on September 2 after establishing, according to their investigation, that Varaprasad and Mukharjee had allegedly shared information and helped the operatives approach other targets. Both men were subsequently placed under surveillance.

On October 1, authorities launched coordinated searches under an operation named Operation Firewall 2026. Teams raided the homes and residences of 18 people, including 13 naval personnel.

Twelve teams participated in the operation, supported by anti-terrorism squad officials from several states, naval intelligence personnel and local police. Investigators seized mobile phones, electronic devices and documents for examination.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the 16 individuals to determine their alleged roles and the extent of any information-sharing with Pakistan-based operatives.

Varaprasad was arrested in Visakhapatnam, while Mukharjee was arrested in Coimbatore. The investigation remains focused on establishing how the suspected network operated, what information may have been obtained and whether any further individuals were involved.