Visakhapatnam Espionage Case: Pakistani Women Allegedly Honey-Trapped, Blackmailed Navy Personnel, Probe Finds

Visakhapatnam Spy Case: Pakistani Operatives Allegedly Honey-Trapped Navy Staff, Blackmailed Them for Sensitive Information

Investigators probing the alleged espionage network in Visakhapatnam believe Pakistan-based intelligence operatives used fake identities, social media interactions and blackmail to obtain sensitive information from civilians and Indian Navy personnel. The suspected operation allegedly focused on details about naval facilities and the movement of warships and submarines.

According to investigators, the network’s alleged activities came to light through the arrest of Annam Sai Varaprasad, 28, a contract worker who drove vehicles for naval officers at the Visakhapatnam naval base.

Around six months ago, a woman allegedly claiming to work for a shipping company contacted Varaprasad through social media. She reportedly introduced herself as being from a neighbouring state and initially asked personal questions about his life, residence and marital status.

Investigators said the conversation gradually shifted to his job, salary and the types of vehicles he drove. The woman allegedly began sharing sexually explicit content and promised to meet him in Visakhapatnam.

As their interaction continued, she reportedly sought details about the naval officers he transported. Investigators allege that Varaprasad was later threatened with exposure to his employers and possible arrest, after which he was pressured to provide information about the locations of naval assets and personnel deployments.

The communication reportedly moved to WhatsApp. Officials said Varaprasad had basic security clearance and did not have direct access to classified information about naval vessels or submarines.

The Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence Cell and naval officials monitored him for more than a month before arresting him on October 6. Investigators are examining his phone to determine whether cryptocurrency payments were made to him.

Trainee sailor allegedly drawn into the network

Investigators have also identified Pradeep Mukharjee, 31, a trainee sailor whom Varaprasad allegedly knew from the Visakhapatnam naval base.

According to the probe, a Pakistan-based operative posing as a medical professional approached Mukharjee. The operative allegedly used sexually explicit exchanges and threats of legal consequences to pressure him into sharing information.

Investigators claim Mukharjee provided details about facilities in Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore, where he was attending a training course. He was also allegedly coerced into sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) to activate WhatsApp accounts used by the operatives.

When he reportedly attempted to stop cooperating, he received threats during a voice call, investigators said.

At least 16 others allegedly targeted

The investigation suggests that the WhatsApp accounts activated through the alleged scheme were subsequently used to approach at least 16 other people.

Investigators said the targets included employees posted in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. The information allegedly sought concerned naval facilities and the movements of ships and submarines, including vessels arriving at and departing from naval bases.

Authorities are now trying to establish what information was shared, whether any classified material was compromised and the extent of each suspect’s alleged involvement.

Operation Firewall 2026: Raids conducted across locations

According to Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell officials, a case was registered on September 2 after investigators alleged that Varaprasad and Mukharjee had shared information and helped the operatives approach additional targets. Both men were subsequently placed under surveillance.

On October 1, authorities conducted coordinated raids under Operation Firewall 2026, searching the homes and residences of 18 people, including 13 naval personnel.

Twelve teams participated in the operation, supported by anti-terrorism squad officials from several states, naval intelligence officers and local police. Mobile phones, electronic devices and documents were seized for examination.

Varaprasad was arrested in Visakhapatnam and Mukharjee in Coimbatore. Investigators continue to examine the suspected network and the alleged involvement of the 16 individuals under scrutiny.

The probe is focused on determining how the alleged honey-trapping operation functioned, whether sensitive defence information reached Pakistan-based operatives and whether further individuals were involved. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation.