Indian Navy Clerk Arrested for Selling Military Secrets for 200,000 Rupees

A significant security breach has sent shockwaves through India's defense establishment. Vishal Yadav, a clerk at the Indian Navy headquarters, has been apprehended for allegedly selling sensitive military information to a Pakistani handler in exchange for financial compensation, including payments made in cryptocurrency.

Yadav, hailing from Haryana’s Rewari district, was initially approached by the Pakistani agent through a fake Facebook profile named “Priya Sharma.” The communication between the two evolved from Facebook to WhatsApp and eventually to Telegram, a messaging platform renowned for its robust privacy features.

According to the investigation, Yadav is suspected of divulging confidential details about Operation Sindoor. This operation was conducted in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack. The leak of such sensitive information poses a grave threat to national security and underscores the vulnerabilities within the defense system.

Law enforcement officials disclosed that Yadav received approximately ₹2 lakh in total for the leaked information. The payments started with smaller amounts, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹6,000, for less critical data. As the information became more sensitive, the payments increased significantly, including a ₹50,000 payment specifically for the details of Operation Sindoor. Some of these transactions were conducted using cryptocurrency, although the specific type of cryptocurrency used has not been disclosed.

Investigators speculate that Yadav's addiction to online gaming may have driven him to sell the secrets in exchange for money. A thorough forensic examination of his phone revealed chats, financial records, and military data, providing strong evidence against him. The police are continuing their investigation, emphasizing the severity of the breach and the potential misuse of cryptocurrency for espionage activities.

Yadav's arrest raises critical questions about internal security measures and the need for stricter protocols to prevent such breaches in the future. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber espionage and the importance of safeguarding sensitive information within defense organizations. The use of cryptocurrency in these transactions adds another layer of complexity, as it provides a degree of anonymity that can be exploited by malicious actors.