espionage activities

Authorities from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have arrested a man in Kolkata, believed to be involved in a dangerous espionage ring targeting India. Reports suggest that he transmitted sensitive security information to Pakistani Intelligence operatives in return for monetary compensation and the allure of citizenship in Pakistan.

A Greek national, Ioannis Aidinidis, has been charged in London under UK national security legislation for allegedly gathering information on an Iranian journalist. Prosecutors believe his activities between 2024 and 2025 were linked to assisting a foreign intelligence service, raising fresh concerns about foreign-linked surveillance in Britain.

In a significant security operation, the Bihar Anti-Terrorism Squad has detained Mohammad Mustafa in Muzaffarpur for allegedly facilitating activities linked to anti-India organizations. Preliminary investigations expose a troubling connection with Shahzad Bhatti, an arms trafficker operating out of Pakistan.

The Iranian government has carried out the execution of Abdoljalil Shahbakhsh, linked to the Ansar al-Furqan militant group, as a response to his participation in violent clashes with law enforcement during the protests of 2022-2023.

During President Trump's visit to China, American officials and CEOs implemented a 'digital lockdown,' using 'clean' devices and leaving personal electronics behind. This precaution stems from a long-standing US government assumption that all devices and networks in China are potentially compromised and subject to surveillance.

A Border Force officer has been convicted in London for aiding Chinese intelligence in spying on Hong Kong dissidents in the UK. Chi Leung “Peter” Wai used confidential immigration data to identify and monitor activists, operating as part of a "shadow policing" network. He was found guilty under the National Security Act, alongside a former Hong Kong police officer.

Britain summoned China's ambassador after two men were convicted of spying for Beijing. The former immigration officer and another individual were found guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence agency and targeting pro-democracy activists. The UK government stated it would not tolerate foreign interference and would use all tools to protect national security.

A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank off Spain after explosions on December 23, 2024, carrying suspected nuclear reactor components possibly for North Korea. The vessel, previously used in Syria, experienced multiple blasts, leading to its sinking and the death of two crew members. A Russian military ship later fired flares over the area, followed by more explosions.

For India, however, the core issue remains action rather than acknowledgment, with MEA reiterating New Delhi’s repeated appeals to Ottawa to take effective action against anti-India extremist elements operating from its soil

India has rejected Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) allegations of foreign interference, calling them "baseless imputations" and reiterating its policy of not interfering in other nations' internal affairs. New Delhi also raised concerns about extremist and separatist elements operating from Canadian soil, while the CSIS report noted a more restrained tone on India compared to previous assessments.

Canada's intelligence agency has listed India and China among nations involved in foreign interference. While acknowledging historical covert actions by India, the report highlights Khalistan extremism as a significant national security threat to Canada. This comes amid efforts to mend ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, with the latest report notably downplaying previous accusations against India.

The Cold War was shaped not just by leaders and weapons, but by vast intelligence networks that gathered and shared crucial information. From spies and defectors to surveillance technology and allied cooperation, these systems reduced uncertainty, influenced key decisions and helped prevent nuclear escalation, quietly steering the conflict through knowledge rather than direct confrontation.

Seven men have been sentenced to three years in prison in Bhubaneswar for supplying pre-activated SIM cards and one-time passwords to suspected Pakistani spies. Arrested between May and June 2023, these individuals facilitated the creation of fake accounts and the spread of anti-India propaganda, impacting national security. Investigations into a larger racket are ongoing.

A Pakistani TV show, 'Jahannum Ba'raasta Jannat,' is creating a stir on Indian social media, with viewers dissecting its espionage theme and perceived inaccuracies. Clips highlighting dialogue delivery and geographical errors, like showing Mumbai's skyline for New Delhi, have gone viral. This follows a similar debate sparked by the Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar' and its portrayal of Lyari.

Delhi Police have identified Babbar Khalsa International operatives Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa as chief handlers of a newly uncovered espionage-terror module. The investigation revealed a shift in ISI's recruitment tactics, targeting educated youth alongside traditional laborers. This sophisticated network facilitated arms trafficking, narco-smuggling, and high-tech surveillance, funded through a mix of illegal proceeds and UPI transactions.