Counter-Espionage for a Mining Conglomerate in Bhubaneswar
An executive conference room in Bhubaneswar was compromised by a combined recorder and GSM transmitter hidden inside a stone souvenir.
Service
TSCM, Espionage Detection, and Audio Recorder Detection
Location
Fortune Towers / Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Industry
Mining & Natural Resources
Subject Matter Expert
Wahid Shaikh (TSCM Expert, Risk Advisor, and Chief Investigative Officer)
Service Provider
Indiebim Technology Solutions Private Limited
The Challenge
A mining conglomerate discovered that expansion plans for a new iron ore block were known to a rival down to the last decimal point, indicating a systematic leak from the chairman’s executive suite.
The Problem
Mining corporate environments often mix executive offices with semi-industrial traffic, gifts, equipment, and visitors, all of which increase the risk of covert hardware placement.
- Audio recorder detection in personalized executive gifts.
- Audio transmitter detection in office electronics.
- Threats for corporate assets involving exclusive mineral rights.
The Action
Wahid Shaikh led a zero-baseline sweep in which every electronic and decorative device in the suite was treated as potentially compromised.
- Spectrum analysis during active boardroom hours.
- NLJD scans of the mahogany desk and wall paneling.
- Physical inspection of power sockets and network ports.
The Findings
The team found a digital audio recorder and GSM transmitter hidden in the base of a heavy stone-carved replica of a Konark Sun Temple wheel gifted by an associate.
The device used burst transmission to send compressed audio files twice daily to a remote server.
The Solution
- Mandated TSCM screening for decorative items in executive areas.
- Installed signal-dampening window film to reduce long-range RF interception.
- Revamped board-level information security policy.
Outcome
The conglomerate secured two new blocks in the next auction cycle, avoiding what could have been a severe financial and strategic loss.