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Punjab Police Bust Two ISI Modules Using Chinese CCTV Cameras to Spy on Military Sites

Punjab Police have dismantled two ISI-backed espionage modules that used Chinese CCTV cameras to monitor sensitive military locations. The cameras, equipped with 4G connectivity and solar power, transmitted live feeds to Pakistan-based handlers. Three operatives were arrested in operations conducted by Counter Intelligence Jalandhar and Kapurthala Police. The investigation revealed a Pakistan-based handler named Fauji funded the camera installations.

Key Points: ISI Modules Busted: Chinese Cams Used to Spy on Military

  • Two ISI-backed espionage modules busted in Punjab
  • Chinese CCTV cameras used to monitor military locations
  • Three operatives arrested from Ferozepur and Kapurthala
  • Cameras used 4G and solar power for off-grid surveillance
2 min read

Punjab Police bust two ISI-backed modules using CCTV cameras to share military locations (Ld)

Punjab Police bust two ISI-backed espionage modules using Chinese CCTV cameras to monitor military locations, arresting three operatives.

"These Chinese cameras are ideal for off-grid surveillance as they operate via 4G connectivity and solar power, bypassing the need for traditional wiring. - DGP Gaurav Yadav"

Chandigarh, April 30

In a major blow to organised crime and trans-border espionage networks, the Punjab Police have busted two ISI-backed espionage modules using high-tech, China-made CCTV cameras to transmit feeds of sensitive military locations to Pakistan-based handlers, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said here on Thursday.

One module was busted by Counter Intelligence Jalandhar with the arrest of one operative and recovery of one Chinese CCTV camera along with a USB connecting solar plate with 4G connectivity from his possession, while the other module was dismantled by Kapurthala Police in a joint operation with a central agency, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and recovery of four mobile phones linked to foreign handlers.

One Sim-based CCTV camera and one WiFi set were also recovered.

DGP Yadav said these modules were strategically installing SIM-based and solar-powered CCTV cameras at various locations to monitor sensitive sites, including establishments linked to defence forces, and transmitting live footage through mobile applications.

"These Chinese cameras are ideal for off-grid surveillance as they operate via 4G connectivity and solar power, bypassing the need for traditional wiring," he added.

The accused in the Counter Intelligence operation has been identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha, a resident of Sahanke village in Ferozepur.

In the second operation conducted by Kapurthala Police, the arrested individuals have been identified as Sona, a resident of Dona Mattar in Ferozepur, and Sandeep Singh alias Sonu, a resident of Chhanga Khurd village in Ferozepur.

Assistant Inspector General (Counter Intelligence) Simratpal Singh Dhindsa, sharing details of the Jalandhar operation, said that following the arrest of Sukhwinder Singh, police recovered one CCTV camera along with solar plate and a SIM card.

Providing details on the Kapurthala module, Senior Superintendent of Police (Kapurthala) Gaurav Toora said that based on secret information regarding surveillance near the Army Cantonment, a shop was raided in Model Town in Kapurthala.

The accused had rented the shop to install a SIM-based camera on a nearby pole to monitor military movements.

"The investigation has also revealed that a Pakistan-based handler, identified as Fauji, provided Rs 35,000 to the accused for the camera installation," the SSP added.

He said that the accused Sandeep Singh was also involved in drug smuggling, having received Rs 50,000 for distributing 1 kg heroin sent via drones by the same Pakistani handler.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good that they caught these people, but what about the bigger picture? These Pakistani handlers are using local criminals, giving them money for cameras and even drugs. It shows how cross-border terrorism and drug trafficking are linked. Need stricter border controls and more awareness among villagers who might get trapped in such networks.
R
Rohit P
ISI never stops trying, huh? But our police are getting smarter. Using SIM-based solar cameras from China is clever - no wires needed so harder to detect. But then the accused are just small fish. Fauji handler gave 35k for camera installation? That's pocket change for risking national security. Need to go after these foreign handlers directly!
K
Kavya N
This is serious. The fact that Sandeep was also involved in drug smuggling shows how these networks operate - they target vulnerable people with drug money and then ask them to do espionage. Government should make example out of these arrests. And why are Chinese cameras so easily available? Need better regulation of surveillance tech imports.
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Vikram M
Chalo, at least Punjab Police is on the ball. But I wonder how many more such cameras are already installed that we don't know about. These Chinese cameras with solar power and 4G are perfect for remote surveillance. The army needs to do full sweeps around sensitive areas. And the public should report any suspicious installations near military sites.

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