SIMs, WhatsApp, Dubai route: How Delhi couple aided Pakistan-linked espionage

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s special cell has arrested a city-based couple for their alleged involvement in anti-national acts, including bulk supply of Indian SIM cards in which ISI-backed entities activated WhatsApp and carried out espionage-related activities. The accused have been identified as 25-year-old Mohammed Sahil and Sameera, 21, a BPO executive. According to police, teams had been developing actionable intelligence regarding sleeper cells and logistical networks providing support to foreign intelligence operatives in the region. “Using technical surveillance, a team led by ACP (Northern range) Rahul zeroed down on the accused,” said DCP Narra Chaitanya. The investigation revealed that an espionage arrangement originated in 2024, when a woman named Sameera, tapped by ISI-backed entities, introduced her husband to the Pakistani contact on Instagram. This handler subsequently introduced the couple to a senior intelligence officer, who allegedly cultivated the duo with promises of steady financial compensation in exchange for operational and logistical support. As part of their assigned duties between 2024 and 2025, the couple procured eight Indian SIM cards and successfully sent them to Pakistan using Dubai as a transit route, for which they received a payment of Rs 30,000. These Indian SIM cards were then used by Pak-based handlers to activate WhatsApp accounts. Utilising these local numbers, foreign operatives gained access to sensitive Indian WhatsApp groups and systematically approached local citizens under pretences to extract secret military and national security information. Furthermore, Sahil, a BA graduate from IGNOU residing in Sarai Kale Khan, was instructed to recruit individuals to conduct physical reconnaissance across various army cantonment areas in India. He married Sameera in 2022 and has been unemployed of late. He was also tasked with gathering confidential details regarding military personnel facing pending court-martial proceedings before tribunals. Sameera, a Noida call centre employee, played a vital primary role in coordinating the procurement and logistics for the illegal SIM card transfers. Following Sahil’s apprehension, his interrogation led officers directly to Sameera. Cops seized two mobile phones from the couple containing extensive forensic evidence, including incriminating WhatsApp conversations directly linking them to their foreign handlers. Officials said that this operation offered vital insights into the encrypted communication protocols and recruitment strategies employed by foreign handlers within the country. The couple was produced in court and taken on remand for interrogation. Efforts are underway to identify the foreign handlers.