Pakistan’s ISI Operative Honey Traps Indian Defense Officials

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has long been known for its strategic intelligence operations, often employing unconventional methods to gather information. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards leveraging social media platforms for espionage purposes, with a notable surge in honey traps targeting Indian social media users.

The Pakistani ISI has a history of using covert tactics to gather intelligence, but the digital age has brought about a significant change in their approach. With the rise of social media as a primary source of information and interaction, the ISI has adapted its strategies to exploit these platforms for their advantage.

Former BrahMos scientist Nishant Agrawal, who was sentenced to life by a sessions court in Nagpur on June 3 for leaking military secrets to Pakistan intelligence officials, who contacted him on social media in the guise of girls, is another prominent case of ISI honeytrap.

In May 10, Pravin Mishra, a resident of Ankleshwar town in Bharuch district and originally from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is accused of gathering confidential information about the Indian armed forces and defence-related research and development (R&D) firms and passing it on to Pakistan, as reported by TOI.

The ISI’s honey traps on Indian social media involve meticulous planning and execution. Operatives create fake profiles to establish credibility and trust with targeted individuals. They then engage in conversations to gather sensitive information or influence opinions on key issues.

As technology continues to evolve, so will the tactics employed by intelligence agencies like the ISI. Predicting future trends in digital espionage is challenging but essential for staying ahead of potential threats. Collaboration between nations and investment in cybersecurity will be key in addressing these challenges.