From Puncture Repairman, E-Rickshaw Drivers to Street Vendors Turned Pakistan’s Spies; Solar CCTV & GPS Apps Used

by Ashis Sinha

Pakistan-backed espionage networks are rapidly shifting from traditional methods to sophisticated, technology-driven operations. From solar-powered CCTV systems to GPS-enabled mobile apps and encrypted communication, modern spy tools are making intelligence gathering faster, sharper, and far more dangerous. Security agencies warn that this evolving trend is not only increasing the efficiency of espionage but also making it significantly harder to detect.

A striking example of this emerging threat has surfaced in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, where a suspected cross-border spy network has been busted. Investigations reveal that the network went far beyond basic reconnaissance, leveraging solar-powered surveillance systems and GPS-based applications to capture and transmit real-time sensitive information.

What makes the case even more alarming is the profile of those involved. A roadside puncture repair worker, an e-rickshaw driver, a fast-food vendor, and a Class 12 pass युवक—seemingly ordinary individuals—were allegedly operating as ground-level agents in a network with direct links to Pakistan. The revelation underscores how unsuspecting civilians are being recruited into high-stakes espionage operations.

According to the Ghaziabad Police, the accused were trained to use advanced digital tools and devices, enabling them to carry out surveillance activities with precision while staying under the radar.

Solar CCTV: 24×7 Surveillance Without Power

One of the most shocking findings was the use of solar-powered, SIM-based standalone CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations.

These devices operate without electricity or wiring and remain connected via mobile networks. Once deployed, they can:

• Stream live footage to handlers sitting across the border
• Function continuously using solar energy
• Stay discreet and difficult to detect

Officials say this setup allowed handlers in Pakistan to monitor sensitive areas in India in real time—without ever stepping into the country.

GPS-Tagged Images: Turning Photos into Intelligence

The accused were also trained to use mobile apps that automatically embed GPS coordinates and timestamps into images.

This transformed ordinary photographs into high-value intelligence inputs containing:

• Precise location data
• Exact time of capture
• Clear identification of targets

Authorities believe this enabled handlers to track activities with pinpoint accuracy, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the espionage operation.

Muslims used Hindu names, recruited Hindus, transmitted live CCTV footage to Pakistan: Read the shocking revelations in the ISI-linked Ghaziabad spy ring casehttps://t.co/gFtIxS6dxQ

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) March 27, 2026

A New Espionage Model: Civilians + Cheap Tech

The case highlights a dangerous shift in spycraft. Modern networks are now relying on:

• Recruitment of ordinary civilians
• Easily accessible, low-cost technology
• Digital tools and decentralized operations

Experts warn that such tech-driven espionage networks are far more difficult to track and dismantle.

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Major Crackdown: 15 Arrested Under UAPA

In a major operation, the Ghaziabad Police recently arrested 15 individuals allegedly involved in passing sensitive information to Pakistan-based handlers. Strict charges have been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reflecting the seriousness of the national security threat. Six minors have also been taken into custody.

List of Arrested Accused:

Sameer alias Shooter (20)
Sameer (22)
Shivraj (18)
Naushad Ali (20)
Meera (28)
Suhel Malik alias Romeo (23)
Iram alias Mahak (25)
Praveen (19)
Raj Valmiki (21)
Shiva Valmiki (20)
Ritik Gangwar (23)
Ganesh (20)
Vivek (18)
Gagan Kumar Prajapati (22)
Durgesh Nishad (26)

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The investigation is ongoing, with agencies probing deeper into the network’s international links, digital infrastructure, and funding channels. The case serves as a stark warning: espionage has entered a new, high-tech era—more covert, more connected, and far more dangerous than ever before.