Shahzad, an alleged Pakistani spy from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been sent to 14-day judicial custody after being arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The arrest followed accusations of his involvement in smuggling goods across the India-Pakistan border while covertly passing critical security information to ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) handlers. A case has been filed under relevant legal sections at the ATS headquarters in Lucknow.

According to the ATS, Shahzad maintained active communication with ISI agents and arranged for individuals from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh to travel to Pakistan under the guise of smuggling, only to be recruited for espionage. He is also accused of recruiting individuals for espionage under the guise of cross-border smuggling and maintaining contact with ISI agents, sharing confidential details related to India's security.

The ATS statement highlighted that Shahzad had close relations with ISI agents, with whom he was in constant touch. He reportedly provided Indian SIM cards to ISI operatives and funneled money to support their network in India. Shahzad is accused of illegally transporting goods like clothes, spices, and cosmetics across the border, using this activity as a cover for his espionage activities.

India’s intelligence and counter-terror agencies have intensified a crackdown on cross-border espionage networks, leading to several recent arrests. Social media influencers and YouTubers have come under scrutiny as potential tools for foreign intelligence agencies to spread propaganda and gather sensitive data, contributing to the increased vigilance and arrests in recent weeks.