IAF officer arrested over Defence information leak; probe points to Pak espionage network

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) A Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was arrested two months ago by the Delhi Police for allegedly leaking sensitive information related to national Defence, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The officer has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and is currently in judicial custody, as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged leak and the network that may have been involved.

“The arrest pointed to a larger espionage network aimed at collecting strategic military Intelligence,” Delhi Police sources said.

According to the sources, the Wing Commander allegedly became the target of a “honey trap” operation carried out by Pakistani Intelligence operatives.

The officer is also accused of installing data-stealing software on the mobile phone of a colleague, allegedly with the intention of gaining access to and controlling the device.

Sources said the Wing Commander was arrested on the night of May 31 after the Intelligence wing of the IAF provided Delhi Police with specific inputs related to the case.

“Initially, he was taken into police custody after his arrest. He was later sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail. He has been booked under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act for sharing classified information and confidential documents related to national defence,” the police sources said.

The Indian Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the officer had been under surveillance before being handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

According to the police investigation so far, sources said that the officer had been going through a difficult period in his personal life when he was approached by a woman through social media.

The two subsequently began communicating regularly, including through video calls.

Investigators suspect that the woman gradually gained the officer’s confidence before asking him to share photographs, videos and information concerning the movement and deployment of military units.

During the investigation, sources said, it emerged that the officer had allegedly transmitted “crucial documents and data” to the woman through digital communication platforms.

“After obtaining details from him, he was asked to install a particular app on his colleague’s phone, which is typically a form of targeted spyware or remote-access malware designed to steal device data, track locations, or intercept communications,” the sources said.

The woman, according to the sources, was allegedly operating under the direction of handlers based in Pakistan.

Investigators suspect that the operation formed part of a wider espionage network focussed on obtaining strategic military Intelligence.

The probe is also examining whether the information allegedly shared by the officer could have compromised India’s national security or whether it was intended to support hostile activities on Indian territory.

Investigators are now working to establish the complete digital trail of the communications between the officer and the suspected handlers.

An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.

–IANS

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