In a major breakthrough against cross-border espionage, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested Shahzad Wahab, a suspected Pakistani spy, from Moradabad. Shahzad, a native of Rampur, was apprehended on Sunday and has been sent to 14-day judicial custody. He has now been shifted to Lucknow jail as detailed investigations are underway.
According to ATS sources, Shahzad was allegedly working for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), engaging in both espionage and illegal cross-border smuggling. Investigators revealed that Shahzad smuggled goods such as cosmetics, spices, and garments between India and Pakistan, using these activities as a cover to transmit classified information to Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Shahzad is also suspected of traveling to Pakistan multiple times over the past few years, where he reportedly received instructions from ISI handlers and established a secure communication channel. In addition to intelligence gathering, he allegedly transferred money and Indian SIM cards to ISI-linked individuals within India to further their spy network.
Further investigation suggests Shahzad played a key role in recruiting individuals from Rampur and surrounding areas in Uttar Pradesh. These recruits were reportedly sent to Pakistan under the guise of employment or trade, with Pakistani handlers arranging travel documents and visas. The goal was to gradually infiltrate Indian systems through sleeper cells and agents.
Acting on concrete intelligence, the ATS carried out the operation and arrested Shahzad in Moradabad. An FIR has been filed at the ATS police station in Lucknow under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including serious charges related to espionage, national security violations, and aiding enemy agencies.
This arrest adds to a growing list of Pakistani espionage-related detentions across northern India. In the past month alone, at least eight individuals have been arrested in states including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly working with or being influenced by Pakistan’s spy networks.
The UP ATS has stepped up surveillance and counter-espionage operations in the wake of multiple intelligence alerts about Pakistan’s renewed efforts to lure Indian nationals—especially low-level government staff—into leaking sensitive information.
Authorities stated that the arrest of Shahzad Wahab is a significant blow to ISI’s local network in North India and reaffirmed their commitment to neutralizing espionage threats. Further revelations are expected as the interrogation and forensic investigation continue.
