Indian SIMs used to operate WhatsApp from Pakistan, NIA starts probe

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated investigations into two separate cases involving suspected espionage networks in West Bengal, allegedly linked to Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). The probe focuses on how Indian SIM cards were activated and used to create WhatsApp accounts operated from across the border.

Four individuals from West Bengal, two from Paschim Medinipur and two from Murshidabad, are under suspicion for facilitating the misuse of Indian phone numbers to share sensitive information with Pakistani handlers. The NIA is examining the possibility of a wider network supplying Indian SIM cards, activating them through OTPs shared from India, and passing on sensitive information to Pakistani handlers.

Both cases were previously under investigation by the West Bengal Special Task Force and have been transferred to the NIA for further probing.

Brief written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.