Several Indian Navy officers under scanner as Operation Firewall 2026 uncovers Pakistan spy network across states

A suspected Pakistan-linked espionage network is under investigation in a major counter-intelligence operation spanning Andhra Pradesh and several other parts of India, with 18 people, including 13 suspected Navy personnel, under the scanner, as per a TOI report.

The Andhra Pradesh Counter-Intelligence wing is conducting ‘Operation Firewall-2026’, with 12 teams carrying out simultaneous searches across 10 states and Union Territories. The operation covers Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka, among other locations, as investigators probe suspected links between the individuals and Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).

Officials are examining whether the suspects communicated with Pakistan-linked operatives through encrypted channels and whether sensitive information concerning the Indian Navy and defence establishments in Visakhapatnam was allegedly collected and shared with foreign intelligence operatives, as reported by TOI.


Electronic devices have reportedly been seized from several suspects as part of the investigation.

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Two suspects arrested in espionage probe

According to officials who talked to TOI said preliminary evidence has emerged against at least two of the 18 suspects.

In Visakhapatnam, the AP Counter-Intelligence wing arrested Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver, over allegations that he shared sensitive information concerning Navy and defence establishments with a Pakistan-linked operative.

Investigators are also examining whether Varaprasad received money in exchange for the information allegedly passed to the operative.

After his arrest, Varaprasad was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody until October 14. He was subsequently sent to Visakhapatnam district jail.

Suspected Navy employee arrested in Coimbatore

In a separate case linked to the operation, AP Counter-Intelligence officials arrested suspected Navy employee Pradeep Mukherjee in Coimbatore.

Mukherjee is accused of sharing an OTP that allegedly enabled the activation of a WhatsApp account used by a Pakistan-linked operative. Investigators are examining his communications with PIOs and are also looking into whether he transmitted any sensitive information.

The accused was brought from Coimbatore to Vijayawada on a transit warrant. He was later remanded in judicial custody until October 14 and is currently lodged in Vijayawada district jail.

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Probe continues against 16 others

The counter-intelligence operation remains focused on the other 16 suspects. Investigators are examining their digital communications, financial transactions and electronic devices, along with any possible contacts with foreign intelligence operatives.

The probe is also seeking to establish whether the suspects had access to sensitive information relating to the Navy or defence establishments and whether any such information was allegedly shared with Pakistan-linked operatives.

Officials have not indicated that all 18 individuals are accused of the same activities, with the investigation continuing to establish the nature of their alleged links and the extent of any information-sharing.