Navi Mumbai man arrested for surveying sensitive city spots for criminal gangs

Police have arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly taking photos and checking out sensitive locations in Mumbai on the orders of foreign criminal groups.

The Arrest

Yash Singh, who lives in Airoli in Navi Mumbai, was first caught by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad due to his online contacts with suspicious handlers. The Keralam police then took him into custody for a case filed in the Thrissur district. Officials say he used the Telegram app to talk directly to anti-national elements and connect with another suspect already jailed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The Charges

Singh told investigators that online handlers tied to mafia gangs and rebel groups paid him to look at sensitive areas in South Mumbai, especially around Colaba. His tasks included taking pictures and finding exact spots like the Chabad House, Jewish-owned businesses, and places where foreign tourists go. The Chabad House is a Jewish community centre that Pakistani terrorists targeted during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Context

Investigators note that overseas crime networks often target jobless and money-troubled young people on social media platforms to help with spying and illegal tasks. Security agencies regularly warn families and youth to stay alert, ignore unknown online contacts, and never share details about sensitive sites for cash.