Lucknow/Meerut: Shahzad Wahab, 35, a suspected agent of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) in Moradabad on Sunday night.

According to senior ATS officials, Shahzad recruited at least 20 people, including three women, to spy for the ISI and funded their activities under instructions from his handlers across the border.

Shahzad, a resident of Rampur, was under surveillance following intelligence inputs about his involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage. He allegedly used a garments business as a front for his activities and made multiple trips to Pakistan, reportedly visiting Lahore at least three times annually.

The ATS said Shahzad smuggled cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other items between India and Pakistan. The arrest is part of a wider crackdown across India targeting ISI operatives following the killing of tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025.

Officials revealed that Shahzad recruited agents by exploiting religious sentiments, primarily targeting men and women from humble backgrounds in various West UP districts. He supplied Indian SIM cards to his agents to facilitate secure communication with ISI handlers in Pakistan.

Mobile phone analysis indicated Shahzad maintained constant contact with ISI operatives, exchanging sensitive information on India’s internal security, particularly before and after the Pahalgam attack.

The ATS has registered a case under relevant laws at its Gomti Nagar police station in Lucknow and is investigating Shahzad’s Pakistan visits and network connections.

Local residents of Rampur’s Azad Nagar colony stated that Shahzad started as a driver and blanket seller before expanding into the import of women’s clothing from Pakistan. Shahzad’s wife, Razia, denied espionage allegations, claiming her husband’s visits to Pakistan were strictly for business and questioning the financial viability of their claimed trade.

Authorities continue to search for other recruits who have gone into hiding since Shahzad’s arrest.