2 individuals arrested by NIA from Uttara Kannada: Honeytrap again??
- India International Affairs Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
In a significant security breach, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals for leaking classified information about the INS Kadamba naval base in Karwar. The accused allegedly shared sensitive details with a Pakistani intelligence operative in exchange for ₹5,000 per month for eight months. Investigators suspect that a Pakistani intelligence agent befriended the two men on Facebook in 2023. The accused, working as civilian contract labourers, had access to restricted areas within the INS Kadamba naval base. They reportedly shared photographs and sensitive information about the naval base’s layout and activities. In return, they received ₹5,000 every month for eight months, totalling ₹40,000. The espionage activities came to light following a larger counter-intelligence operation.
Strategic Importance of INS Kadamba
- INS Kadamba is one of India’s most crucial naval bases under Project Seabird.
- It serves as the primary base for India’s aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
- The base is a key asset for India’s maritime defence, designed to support major naval operations in the Arabian Sea.
- Expansion plans for the base aim to make it the largest naval base in the Eastern Hemisphere.
This case is not an isolated incident. There have been several instances of security breaches through honey-trapping tactics:
1. June 4, 2024 – Ex-BrahMos Engineer Sentenced to 14 Years
A former BrahMos Aerospace engineer was sentenced to 14 years in prison for leaking classified missile technology details to Pakistan. The engineer was reportedly targeted through social media and manipulated into sharing top-secret information.
2. May 2024 – DRDO Drone Data Leak
A man was honey-trapped into sharing sensitive data on DRDO’s drone technology with Pakistan’s ISI. Operatives posing as women lured him into revealing classified defence information.
Honey-trapping remains a preferred tactic for intelligence agencies to extract sensitive data. Infiltrators pose as attractive women online to lure defence personnel into revealing critical security details. Many unsuspecting individuals fall prey to financial incentives and emotional manipulation. The repeated occurrence of espionage through social media highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures: Strict Background Checks: Ensuring rigorous screening for all personnel working in sensitive defence
establishments. Cybersecurity Awareness: Educating military and civilian workers about the dangers of honey traps and social engineering tactics. Enhanced Surveillance: Increasing monitoring of communications and financial transactions of individuals working in defence sectors. Legal Consequences: Strengthening legal provisions and sentencing to deter potential espionage activities.