What is Honey Trapping?
Honey trapping is a form of investigative technique or espionage in which an individual uses romantic or sexual relationships to manipulate, blackmail, or extract information from a target. The term “honey” refers to the attractiveness or allure used to entice the target, while “trapping” implies the act of ensnaring or compromising them.
In a honey trap scenario, the individual carrying out the operation, often called a “honeypot” or “honey trap agent,” deliberately establishes a relationship with the target to gain their trust. This relationship can be romantic, friendly, or professional, depending on the context and the goal of the operation.
Once trust is established, the honeypot may exploit the relationship to gather sensitive information, influence the target’s actions, or extract favors. In some cases, the honeypot may use blackmail or threats to manipulate the target into complying with their demands.
Honey trapping is commonly used in espionage, counterintelligence, and law enforcement operations to gather intelligence, uncover illicit activities, or compromise individuals for strategic purposes. It can also occur in personal or professional settings where individuals use deceitful tactics to manipulate or control others for personal gain.
Indian Honey Trapping Cases
Last week Pakistan’s ISI Operative Honey Trapped an Indian Defense Contractor Employee posing as an IBM Employee. A defence contractor employee was arrested as he divulged information on India’s Brahmos missiles to Pakistani Spies.
The DRDO Target
In the previous incidences of espionage, 59-year-old Pradeep Kurulkar, Director of DRDO’s Research & Development Establishment, found himself ensnared in a honey trap orchestrated by a suspected Pakistani agent masquerading as ‘Zara Dasgupta’, a software engineer from the UK. DRDO has been at the centre of Pakistan Spy activities as it provides important research support to India’s defence initiatives.
The plot thickened as ‘Zara’ allegedly bombarded Kurulkar with provocative photos and videos, persuading him to download malicious software onto his devices.
The allegations further suggest that Kurulkar stored classified information on his phone and shared it with the imposter, including details about the BrahMos and Agni missile launchers under development by DRDO. An internal DRDO investigation uncovered the breach, leading to Kurulkar’s arrest. Meanwhile, investigations traced ‘Zara’s’ IP address to Pakistan, adding weight to the espionage claims.
This incident is just one in a series of honey-trap cases that have unfolded in India, highlighting a persistent threat to national security. Earlier this year, DRDO technical officer Baburam Dey was arrested for allegedly leaking secrets to a suspected Pakistani spy posing as a student from Uttar Pradesh.
Similarly, Army soldier Shantimay Rana was arrested for providing information to individuals posing as ‘Gurnaur’ and ‘Nisha’ on social media. These cases underscore the meticulous and relentless efforts by foreign entities to infiltrate India’s defense and security apparatus through deceit and manipulation.
Beyond Defense
The honey-trap tactic is not limited to defense officials but also extends to civilians and workers associated with defense establishments. In an unusual case, Kuldeep Singh, a liquor store worker, was arrested for posing as a woman on social media to befriend Indian Army soldiers and gather information.
Singh himself had reportedly been honey-trapped by a Pakistani agent, highlighting the intricate layers of deception involved in such espionage operations. Another case involved Nitin Yadav, a contractor supplying fruits and vegetables to an Army base, who allegedly leaked information about the Army’s purchases to Pakistani agents.
These incidents, spanning decades, underscore the persistent threat posed by honey-trap espionage. The first known case dates back to the 1950s, involving a Soviet agent who attempted to blackmail an Indian diplomat with compromising photographs. While the tactics may have evolved with advancements in technology, the essence remains the same – exploiting human vulnerabilities for strategic gain. These cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and security measures in safeguarding national interests against covert threats.
