Nepali Man Arrested for Supplying Indian SIM Cards to ISI in Exchange for Promised US Visa: Police

Fast Summary

• Delhi Police arrested Nepali national, Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya, for allegedly supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistan’s ISI.
• Chaurasiya was lured by ISI wiht promises of a US visa and journalism opportunities.
• The accused procured 16 SIM cards using Aadhaar credentials,which were smuggled to Nepal and than transferred to ISI operatives in Pakistan.
• Eleven of these SIM cards were actively used on social media platforms like WhatsApp by ISI handlers in Lahore, Bahawalpur, and other Pakistani regions.
• The SIMs facilitated espionage activities targeted at Indian Army personnel and sensitive defense establishments such as DRDO units.
• Delhi Police recovered incriminating materials including digital devices and multiple SIM card envelopes from the accused during his arrest on August 28 in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi.
• Investigations revealed that Chaurasiya had fallen into financial distress after his logistics company collapsed in Kathmandu. He connected with ISI agents through a Nepali intermediary in 2024 out of desperation for settling abroad.
• A case has been registered under relevant sections concerning criminal conspiracy and acts jeopardizing India’s sovereignty.further probes are underway to trace more associates linked to the courier network.

Read More: Economic Times

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case underscores an increasing need for vigilance against covert espionage activities potentially compromising national security. Leveraging advanced technology like social media platforms paired with pre-obtained resources such as mobile connections erodes safeguards surrounding sensitive institutions including defense establishments like DRDO or Army units.

The investigation reveals vulnerabilities regarding the misuse of essential identification systems within India’s telecom sector-highlighting avenues where stricter regulations may prevent fraudulent procurements via misappropriated Aadhaar credentials. Such cases demonstrate challenges India faces from refined cross-border networks exploiting individual vulnerabilities.

Delhi Police’s successful operation signifies robust intelligence efforts but raises questions about international accountability between bordering governmental-coordination tracking neutrality-neutralized trails (e.g processing zero blind gaps