NEW DELHI: Pakistan-linked honey-trapping networks are allegedly targeting young Agniveers posted at sensitive locations, prompting central intelligence and law-enforcement agencies to intensify scrutiny of their social-media accounts, online interactions and financial transactions, sources said.
According to the sources, a number of Agniveers posted at sensitive locations, including cities across the northern region, have been identified for scrutiny as part of an ongoing counter-intelligence exercise.
Intelligence agencies are examining their digital activity to determine whether any restricted or operationally sensitive information was shared with suspicious social-media accounts, they added.
“The personnel under scrutiny were found interacting with accounts that are now being investigated. Agencies are examining the duration and nature of these conversations, the information exchanged and the circumstances in which the personnel came into contact with the accounts,” a source in the intelligence agencies said.
The source said, “The suspected modus operandi involves fake female profiles created on social-media platforms. The profiles allegedly initiate contact with young defence personnel and gradually build familiarity through sustained conversations. After establishing a degree of trust, the targets may be encouraged to share photographs, personal details and information concerning their work.”
The agencies are particularly examining conversations in which apparently routine questions allegedly shifted towards deployment areas, locations, movements and other details that could be of interest to an intelligence network, they said.
They are also assessing whether such exchanges were isolated interactions or part of a systematic attempt to gather information about military personnel and sensitive installations.
The financial trail is also under examination, the sources said, adding that monetary transfers have been detected in some cases. The amount, nature and purpose of the transactions differed, however, and attempts are being made to establish whether any payments were connected to attempts to obtain information or were unrelated to the online interactions.
A list of suspected cases has reportedly been prepared and is being examined by the concerned agencies. Each case is being assessed separately on the basis of digital evidence, communication records and financial transactions. The agencies are also trying to determine whether the personnel were simply approached by suspicious accounts or knowingly shared sensitive information.
“The investigation is extending beyond individual accounts, with agencies attempting to establish links between multiple social-media profiles and identify possible handlers operating from outside India. Communication patterns, account activity and financial transactions are being analysed to determine whether apparently unrelated profiles form part of a common network,” the source said.
The issue has assumed significance because many of the personnel involved are young recruits who are active on social-media platforms. Agencies are therefore examining their broader digital footprints rather than limiting the inquiry to individual conversations.
The cases underscore the growing counter-intelligence challenge posed by social-media platforms, where identities can be concealed and relationships established without physical contact. Agencies are examining the cases individually before deciding on further action, including legal proceedings where evidence establishes deliberate sharing of sensitive information or other offences, the sources said.
