New Delhi, Jun 6 (UNI) Central terror probe agency NIA on Saturday arrested the key conspirator Abdul Rehman Abdul Jabbar Sheikh in the Visakhapatnam espionage case from Mumbai.
During the search at the house of Abdul Rehman, a digital devices and large number of incriminating documents have been seized by the probe agency.
His wife Shaista Qaiser, key conspirator of espionage case Haroon Haji Abdul Rehman Lakdawala and others were arrested on May 15 by the NIA.
During searches at the house of Md Haroon also, a number of digital devices and incriminating documents have been seized by the probe agency.
This case has been related to an international espionage racket involving individuals based in Pakistan and at different locations in India.
Pakistani spy agency ISI recruited agents in India for collecting sensitive and classified information regarding locations and movements of Indian Naval Ships and Submarines, and other defence establishments.
“During investigation revealed that few navy personnel came in contact with Pakistani nationals through various social media platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp and were involved in sharing classified information in lieu of monetary gains. The money was deposited into the bank accounts of the navy personnel through Indian associates having business interests in Pakistan”, the NIA said.
Investigation revealed that arrested key accused Mohammed Haroon Lakdawala had visited Karachi, Pakistan on many occasions to meet his handlers under the guise of conducting cross -border trade. During these visits, he came in contact with two Pakistani spies namely Akbar alias Ali and Rizwan, who directed him to deposit money into the bank accounts of navy personnel at regular intervals. The same was done through different means.
So far, 15 accused have been arrested including 11 Navy personnel.
The case was originally registered as FIR No. 1/2019 dated November 16 last year in CI Cell of Vijayawada police station in Andhra Pradesh under sections 120B and 121A of IPC, Section 17 and 18 of UA (P) Act and Section 3 of Official Secrets Act and on December 29, 2019,the NIA took over the case.
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