The Giridih cyber police in Jharkhand on 13 May busted a sophisticated cyber fraud network operating from a makeshift 'control room' concealed deep inside the Charanbari and Kothahariya forests under Bengabad police station limits, arresting six accused involved in large-scale financial fraud targeting victims across the country. The operation was conducted on the basis of a tip-off and carried out under the direction of Giridih Superintendent of Police Dr Bimal Kumar.

How the Forest Hideout Was Discovered

According to police, the accused had deliberately chosen dense forest locations as their operational base, allowing them to monitor approaching law enforcement teams from a distance while conducting fraud activities undisturbed. The remote setting effectively served as a surveillance buffer, making earlier detection difficult for local authorities.

The Accused and Their Methods

The six arrested individuals have been identified as Mahendra Kumar Mandal, Krishna Kumar Mandal, Ishwar Mandal, Pankaj Kumar Mandal, Ranjit Kumar Mandal, and Aditya Kumar Mandal. Investigators revealed that the gang sent fake APK file links to unsuspecting victims via mobile phones. Once a victim opened the link, the fraudsters allegedly gained complete remote access to the device and subsequently siphoned money from the victim's bank accounts within minutes.

Evidence Recovered in the Raid

During the raid, police seized 11 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, and five motorcycles. The motorcycles were reportedly used to commute to the forest hideouts and transport equipment used in the fraud operations. The scale of the recovered material points to a well-organised and long-running operation.

Habitual Offenders Who Regrouped After Jail

SP Dr Bimal Kumar stated that several members of the gang are habitual offenders who had previously been jailed in cybercrime cases registered in Delhi and multiple police stations across Giridih district. After their release from prison, they reportedly regrouped and deliberately shifted operations to forested areas to evade surveillance and re-arrest. This pattern of recidivism underscores a broader challenge in dismantling cyber fraud networks rooted in Jharkhand's Jamtara-adjacent belt.

Investigation Ongoing

Police have launched a deeper probe into the gang's bank accounts, financial transactions, and possible links with wider cybercrime networks operating across other states. Authorities are also looking into whether additional members remain at large. The case highlights the evolving tactics of cyber criminals who increasingly exploit remote terrain to stay ahead of law enforcement.