Wasim Akram, a YouTuber from Kot village in Palwal district, Haryana, was arrested on October 1, 2025, for allegedly spying on behalf of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
According to police, Akram maintained contact with Pakistani handlers over three years, communicated via WhatsApp and internet calls, shared sensitive information, and supplied SIM cards to Pakistani operatives. His arrest followed the detention of another accused spy, Taufiq from the same district, who during interrogation implicated Akram.
Both are under police custody with ongoing investigations coordinated with the Intelligence Bureau, and more arrests are expected.
Contact with Pakistani Handlers and Digital Evidence
Wasim Akram, who ran a YouTube channel focusing on Mewat’s history and culture, allegedly came into contact with Pakistani agent Danish during his 2021 visa application to Pakistan. Thereafter, he is said to have communicated regularly with ISI contacts, providing SIM cards and sensitive information during visits to Delhi.
Police recovered incriminating WhatsApp chats from his phone, including deleted messages that cyber forensics experts are working to restore. Palwal Superintendent of Police Varun Singla confirmed Akram and Taufiq’s ongoing remand and interrogation by the Crime Branch, with a thorough investigation underway.
Context of Espionage and Cross-Border Links
This case highlights a growing trend of intelligence agencies using digital platforms and social media influencers to gather sensitive information within India. While Akram’s family denies any espionage involvement or travel to Pakistan, police state that interrogation and digital footprints point to cross-border contacts.
The case follows similar incidents in the region, including the arrest of Taufiq who admitted to sending sensitive information to Pakistan since 2022 and named Akram. Both face charges of sedition and national security offenses, and the Intelligence Bureau is closely involved in the expanding probe.
Similar Cases of YouTubers Arrested for Espionage
Several other Indian YouTubers have faced arrest in recent years on charges of spying for Pakistan’s ISI, reflecting a growing concern over the exploitation of social media platforms for espionage activities. Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel vlogger known for her channel “Travel with Jo,” was arrested in May 2025. She allegedly developed close contacts with Pakistani intelligence officials, including a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission who was later expelled from India. Malhotra reportedly visited Pakistan multiple times and shared sensitive information with Pakistani contacts.
In Punjab’s Rupnagar district, Jasbir Singh was arrested in June 2025 for similar charges. Operating a popular YouTube channel “Jaan Mahal” with over 11 lakh subscribers, Singh is accused of passing on strategic information to Pakistan’s ISI under the guise of travel and culinary content. Investigations revealed his links with other accused spies, including Malhotra, and Pakistani officials, alongside his visits to Pakistan.
These cases demonstrate a pattern where Indian influencers are covertly recruited by foreign intelligence agencies to exploit their digital reach for espionage while maintaining the cover of social media content creation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The arrest underlines the urgency of guarding against digital infiltration threatening national security but also stresses the need for fairness, empathy, and community trust.
The Logical Indian believes that safeguarding India’s security should be balanced with promoting dialogue, peace, and coexistence rather than stoking suspicion and division. Collaborative efforts among communities, authorities, and technology platforms are essential to protect sensitive data while nurturing social harmony.
