3 held in Odisha for sharing OTPs with Pak intelligence operatives

According to a statement issued by the STF, the trio were fraudulently procuring a large number of SIMs in others’ name and selling the OTPs (linked/generated using the SIMs) to various clients including some Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIO)/ISI agents in Pakistan as well as in India. In return, they would be paid by some Pakistani agents in India, the agency said.

“The OTPs shared by these individuals were used to create various accounts/channels on social media platforms and on online shopping sites as well. These are also used in opening email accounts. Since mobile numbers from India are used for such purposes, people will think that these accounts are owned by an Indian but actually operated from Pakistan,” said JN Pankaj, IG, STF.

The statement said these social media platforms will be used in various kinds of anti-India activities such as spying, communication with terrorists, radicalisation, running anti-India propaganda, fuelling anti-India/divisive sentiments on social media, sextortion and honey-trapping.

As these accounts are registered/linked on an Indian mobile number, people find it trustworthy. The accounts opened on online shopping platforms are also used to supply items to terrorists and anti-India elements, the STF said.

STF sources said one of the arrested individuals was also in touch with a female PIO agent based in Patna who was arrested last year in Rajasthan in an Official Secrets Act/honeytrap case.

During a raid, the STF also seized incriminating materials including 19 mobile phones, 47 pre-activated SIM cards and covers, 61 ATM cards and laptops from their possession. The accused could not give any satisfactory answer regarding sharing of OTPs and other information to foreign nationals.

The individuals were also in the business of creating and selling mule accounts through social media groups which are used in various kinds of crimes, said STF sources.