28 Confirmed ISI-Linked Arrests in India Since June 2024

The probe revealed ISI's growing digital espionage network exploiting vulnerable Indians across regions.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

In a detailed investigation conducted by The Sunday Guardian, it has been found that between June 1, 2024, and June 26, 2025, at least 28 individuals were arrested across India on charges and allegations of spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These include civilians, uniformed officials, and digital influencers, most of whom were lured through emotional manipulation or financial inducement.

It is important to note that all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

North and West India Remain Primary Targets
The arrests were overwhelmingly concentrated in North and West India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. Only one arrest was reported from South India—a YouTuber based in Telangana—highlighting a stark regional disparity in ISI's recruitment pattern.

This geographic bias aligns with ISI's traditional operational logic: proximity to cantonments and international borders, familiarity with Hindi and Urdu, and easier digital infiltration due to linguistic and cultural overlap.

Who is Being Targeted: A Profile of Accused
Most of those arrested are in the 20 to 35 age group. They include factory security guards, tailors, students, influencers, and self-employed technicians. Three women are among the arrested—a rarity in espionage-related cases. One is a YouTuber from Haryana who had reportedly made multiple visits to Pakistan, while the other two are widows from Punjab, lured through romantic manipulation.

Despite varying backgrounds, many of the accused shared key vulnerabilities: emotional instability, financial insecurity, or digital naiveté. In many male cases, contact from a woman proved to be the turning point.

How ISI Chooses Its Targets