Uttar Pradesh ATS Nabs Indian Embassy Staff for Spying for ISI

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended Satendra Siwal, an employee of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, accusing him of espionage on behalf of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. Siwal, identified as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) in the Ministry of External Affairs, was arrested in Meerut. The operation was initiated based on intelligence indicating ISI’s efforts to entice Indian Ministry of External Affairs employees, offering financial incentives for sensitive information related to the Indian Army.

Siwal, a resident of Hapur, was allegedly a key player in the espionage network, exploiting his position in Moscow to extract confidential documents. Motivated by financial gain, he reportedly shared critical information concerning the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments with ISI handlers. The ATS, after thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance, interrogated Siwal in Meerut, where he confessed to his involvement in spy activities.

Siwal, serving as an India Based Security Assistant (IBSA) in Moscow since 2021, faces charges under sections of waging war against the country and the Official Secrets Act. The Ministry of External Affairs is cooperating with investigative authorities. The espionage activities, posing a significant threat to India’s internal and external security, underscore heightened concerns about the infiltration of intelligence networks.