IAF officer arrested on charges of spying, found using unauthorised devices

The officer’s alleged actions came to light during counter-intelligence surveillance carried out by the Air Force’s Central Security and Investigation Team.

A senior officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been arrested for allegedly sharing classified information with civilians, an official familiar with the development said on Wednesday.

Indian Air Force's aircraft C-17 Globemaster III at Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad. (PTI File Photo)

The officer, serving in the Air Headquarters in the Capital, is a Group Captain — a rank equivalent to an army colonel. He is in the IAF’s custody and is being questioned, said the official who asked not to be named.

The officer’s alleged actions came to light during counter-intelligence surveillance carried out by the Air Force’s Central Security and Investigation Team. He is suspected to have shared vital information with a woman over WhatsApp.

“The IAF Central Security and Investigation Team discovered that the officer was indulging in certain unwanted activities through unauthorised electronic devices,” the official said.

The possible involvement of other personnel is also being probed. The IAF spokesperson was not available for comment.