IAF Wing Commander arrested over alleged data leak

The officer was under active surveillance and was handed over to law enforcement agencies after the IAF intelligence wing provided specific inputs to Delhi Police

An Indian Air Force Wing Commander has been arrested for allegedly being honey-trapped through social media by Pakistani intelligence operatives and sharing sensitive defence-related information, officials and Delhi Police sources told PTI.

The officer was under active surveillance and was handed over to law enforcement agencies after the IAF intelligence wing provided specific inputs to Delhi Police, officials said. He is currently in judicial custody.

According to Delhi Police sources, the Wing Commander has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information and confidential defence documents.

The officer is also accused of installing data-stealing software on a colleague's mobile phone in an alleged attempt to gain control of the device, sources said.

The IAF said proactive measures helped authorities detect the alleged activity and reiterated its zero tolerance for such offences under the Official Secrets Act.

"He was under active surveillance and was handed over to the suitable law enforcement agencies. Due to proactive measures, he was caught. The IAF has zero tolerance for such activities," IAF officials said.

According to the IANS account, the officer was arrested on the night of May 31. He was initially placed in police custody and was later sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail.

ISI operatives accused of honey-trapping officer

Sources said the officer allegedly fell victim to a honey trap orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence operatives through social media. Further investigation into the case is underway.

The development comes after a resident of Alwar was arrested last year for allegedly spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, according to police.

Rajasthan Police said it had been conducting surveillance in the state following Operation Sindoor. During an operation in the cantonment area of Alwar, the activities of Mangat Singh were found to be suspicious.

Police said Singh was allegedly honey-trapped by a female Pakistani handler using the pseudonym Isha Sharma. She allegedly offered him money in exchange for cooperation.

The accused had allegedly been in contact with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms for two years, police said.

According to police sources, the woman gradually gained his confidence before allegedly seeking photographs, videos and information relating to military movements and deployments.

Investigators allege that the officer subsequently transmitted sensitive documents and data through digital communication platforms.

Investigators are examining whether the contact was part of a wider effort to obtain strategic military information. These claims remain part of the investigation. Officer accused of targeting colleague’s phone

The investigation is also examining an allegation that the Wing Commander installed data-stealing software on a colleague’s mobile phone.

Sources described the software as being capable of accessing device data, tracking locations or intercepting communications.

Investigators are now attempting to establish the complete digital trail between the officer and the suspected handlers.

Delhi Police sources said the case involves allegations of sharing classified information and confidential documents relating to national defence.