Uttar Pradesh ATS Apprehends Satendra Siwal: Alleged Espionage Links to Pakistani ISI

Meerut, 4th February 2024: Satendra Siwal, a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employed at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, has been apprehended by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. The arrest comes after an operation initiated by the ATS based on intelligence received from confidential sources indicating a systematic attempt by ISI handlers to entice Ministry of External Affairs employees to acquire sensitive information related to the Indian Army.

Siwal, residing in Shah Mohiuddinpur village in Hapur, was identified as a central figure in this alleged espionage network. Exploiting his position within the Indian Embassy in Moscow, he is accused of extracting confidential documents and providing critical information concerning the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments to ISI handlers. The exchange of such information was deemed a significant threat to both India’s internal and external security.

The ATS, acting on intelligence regarding ISI’s attempts to lure Ministry of External Affairs personnel, released a statement, asserting, “The handlers of the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, through some persons, were luring the employees of the Ministry of External Affairs with money to obtain strategically and strategically important information related to the Indian Army.”

Following comprehensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, Satendra Siwal was summoned for interrogation at the ATS Field Unit in Meerut. Reportedly, his responses during questioning were unsatisfactory, leading to a confession of his involvement in espionage. Siwal, who had been serving as an Indian Based Security Assistant (IBSA) at the Indian Embassy in Moscow since 2021, now faces charges under sections related to waging war against the country and the Official Secrets Act.

The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged Siwal’s arrest and is actively collaborating with investigative authorities in the ongoing case. An FIR has been filed against Siwal, underlining the gravity of the charges he faces.