National Times Bureau, May 18 ,2025: A Haryana-based YouTuber and travel vlogger, Jyoti Malhotra, has been arrested for allegedly working with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Known for her channel Travel with Jo, she is accused of being cultivated as an “asset” and transmitting sensitive information through encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
Police claim Malhotra had regular contact with Pakistani agents, including Danish, a dismissed staffer from the Pakistan High Commission. In 2023, she traveled to Pakistan, met with intelligence officials, and developed a personal relationship with one operative. They reportedly even traveled together to Indonesia. Her social media content, including videos promoting Pakistani tourism, is now under investigation for potentially serving intelligence purposes.
Authorities believe she violated provisions of the Official Secrets Act. The case has raised serious national security concerns, especially about the role social media influencers may unknowingly or deliberately play in cross-border espionage.
In response, states like Odisha have begun verifying influencers’ backgrounds and checking foreign collaborations. Prominent Indian vloggers such as Navankur Chaudhary and Deepanshu Sangwan have publicly denied any association with Malhotra, stressing their content has no links to foreign intelligence.
This arrest has spotlighted how soft influence platforms like YouTube can be exploited for espionage under the guise of cultural exchange.
