Two Arrested in Espionage Case Involving 13 Navy Personnel
Eighteen individuals, including 13 Navy members, are under investigation for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence.
Two suspects arrested, including a Navy employee and a civilian driver.
Investigation reveals sharing of sensitive defense information.
Operation Firewall-2026 involves multiple states and agencies.
In a significant espionage case, the Counter Intelligence Cell (CIC) of Andhra Pradesh has arrested two individuals as part of an investigation involving 18 suspects, including 13 Navy personnel. The arrests were made on October 3, 2026, following allegations that these individuals were sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. The investigation was initiated after receiving credible intelligence regarding the activities of the suspects.
The CIC's probe revealed that the suspects were allegedly leaking classified information related to naval establishments and strategic locations, particularly at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base. This information was reportedly being shared with operatives linked to Pakistan's intelligence services. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Firewall-2026,' has seen the deployment of 12 teams across various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, to conduct searches and gather evidence.
Among those arrested is Annam Sai Vara Prasad, a civilian contract driver for naval officers, who was apprehended in Visakhapatnam. He is accused of sharing classified information and receiving monetary compensation for his actions. The second suspect, Pradeep Mukherjee, a Navy employee, was arrested in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He allegedly provided an OTP for a WhatsApp account used by a Pakistani operative and shared sensitive defense information. Both suspects have been remanded in custody until October 14, 2026.
The investigation is ongoing, with Counter Intelligence officials focused on determining the extent of the information shared, the duration of the leaks, and the involvement of any additional individuals. The officials are also examining the nature of the communications and financial transactions between the suspects and the Pakistani operatives.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this espionage case could be significant for national security. The involvement of Navy personnel raises concerns about the potential risks to sensitive defense operations. Authorities are committed to uncovering the full scope of this espionage module and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
