Honey Trap Scandal: IAF Wing Commander Held for Leaking Defence Secrets

NEW DELHI, Aug 8: A Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was arrested by the Delhi Police tow months ago for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information after falling victim to a suspected Pakistani intelligence-linked honey trap, officials said.

The officer, who was taken into custody on the night of May 31, has been booked under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information and confidential documents related to national defence. He is currently in judicial custody.

According to police sources, the IAF’s intelligence wing alerted the Delhi Police about the case, following which the officer was arrested. The investigation has pointed to a suspected wider counter-intelligence network allegedly engaged in collecting strategic military information.

During the probe, investigators reportedly found that the officer had established contact with a woman through social media while going through a difficult phase in his personal life. The woman allegedly gained his confidence through chats and video calls before asking him to share photographs, videos and information concerning the movement and deployment of military units.

Officials said the officer allegedly shared crucial documents and data through digital communication channels. He was later reportedly asked to install a data-stealing application on a colleague’s smartphone, which investigators suspect was intended to access device data, track locations or intercept communications.

Officials suspect the woman was operating on instructions from handlers based in Pakistan and that the interaction formed part of a coordinated honey-trap operation targeting defence personnel.

Investigators are examining the digital communication trail, identifying the alleged overseas handlers and assessing the extent of information that may have been compromised. The IAF said the officer had been under active surveillance before being handed over to law enforcement agencies. (Agencies)