Rajasthan CID Arrests Alleged ISI Funding Agent, Uncovers Suspected Espionage Money Trail

July 2, 2026

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Police’s CID (Intelligence) has arrested a man accused of operating a funding channel for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), uncovering what officials described as a significant network linked to alleged anti-national and espionage activities.

The accused, identified as Rafiq Chand Shaikh, son of Chand Miyan Shaikh and a resident of Harsul in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district, is alleged to have facilitated the transfer of funds from ISI handlers to individuals suspected of engaging in espionage activities in India.

The arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Financial Trail Led Investigators to the Accused

According to CID (Intelligence) officials, the investigation initially led to the arrests of Jhabra Ram, a resident of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, and Sumit Kumar, a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employee posted at the Indian Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam. Both are accused of passing sensitive information related to the Indian armed forces to alleged ISI handlers.

During the investigation, officials traced the financial transactions linked to the alleged espionage activities. They claimed that payments made by ISI operatives were routed through Rafiq Chand Shaikh, prompting further scrutiny of his role in the network.

Multiple Bank Accounts Allegedly Used for Fund Transfers

Investigators said sustained interrogation revealed that Shaikh had allegedly remained in contact with an ISI handler for nearly four years.

According to officials, acting on instructions received through contacts established on social media platforms, he allegedly opened multiple bank accounts in his own name as well as in the names of other individuals. These accounts were allegedly used to transfer funds to persons suspected of involvement in espionage-related activities.

After verifying the financial transactions and examining the available evidence, Rajasthan CID (Intelligence) arrested Shaikh on June 30.

Officials have alleged that he functioned as a funding agent for Pakistan’s intelligence agency by routing money to suspected operatives within India.

Investigation Continues

CID (Intelligence) officials said the investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals who may be linked to the alleged ISI funding network.

Authorities are examining additional financial transactions, digital communications and possible connections to determine the full extent of the alleged network. Officials said further details are expected as the investigation progresses.