An investigation by Indian authorities has revealed a sophisticated espionage ring allegedly orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence, using travel perks, SIM cards, and social media influence to gather intelligence and manipulate public opinion. At the center of the operation is Naushaba Masood, a travel agent in Lahore accused of facilitating illegal cross-border activities under the guise of tourism.
Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered a significant espionage and propaganda operation allegedly orchestrated by Naushaba Masood, a Lahore-based travel agency operator with purported ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Masood is accused of recruiting Indian nationals, particularly from Hindu and Sikh communities, by offering expedited visas and free trips to Pakistan. In exchange, these individuals were allegedly tasked with producing pro-Pakistan content and disseminating it on social media platforms. This operation reportedly facilitated the entry of approximately 2,500 Indians into Pakistan over the past six months .
Masood’s activities are said to have involved supplying Indian SIM cards for encrypted communication and collaborating with Pakistani High Commission officials in Delhi and ISI operatives to expedite visa approvals. Financial transactions traced to Pakistani bank accounts and the misuse of Indian SIMs for covert communications have been uncovered, leading to multiple arrests in connection with the operation .
This revelation is part of a broader investigation into a network allegedly using Indian YouTubers and influencers for espionage activities. Notably, Jasbir Singh, a YouTuber from Punjab with over 1.1 million subscribers, was arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information to ISI operatives. Singh reportedly visited Pakistan multiple times and maintained connections with Pakistani intelligence agents .
These developments highlight the evolving tactics of state-sponsored espionage, where digital platforms and social media influencers are utilized to gather intelligence and influence public opinion. The Indian government’s response has included banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative and misleading content, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 .
