Cyber Criminals Busted in Jharkhand's Forests: Six Arrested in Major Fraud Operation

In a significant police operation in Giridih, Jharkhand, six individuals were arrested for running a sophisticated cyber fraud network from hidden forest locations. The gang utilized advanced techniques to target victims across the country, sending deceptive links to gain access to their devices and siphon funds. The police uncovered their makeshift control room and seized multiple mobile phones and motorcycles used in their operations. This article delves into the details of the operation, the suspects involved, and the ongoing investigation into their financial activities and connections to larger cybercrime networks.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 16:27 IST

Cyber Fraud Network Discovered in Giridih

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Giridih, May 13: A shocking discovery was made in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, where cyber criminals were operating a complex fraud scheme from secluded forest areas to avoid detection by law enforcement. Following a tip-off, local cyber police uncovered a makeshift 'control room' hidden within the Charanbari and Kothahariya forests, leading to the arrest of six individuals involved in extensive cyber fraud.

The operation was executed under the guidance of Giridih Superintendent of Police, Dr. Bimal Kumar. Authorities reported that the suspects strategically selected dense forest locations as their base to monitor any approaching police units while conducting their fraudulent activities without interruption.

The arrested individuals have been named as Mahendra Kumar Mandal, Krishna Kumar Mandal, Ishwar Mandal, Pankaj Kumar Mandal, Ranjit Kumar Mandal, and Aditya Kumar Mandal. The police indicated that this group had been targeting victims nationwide using advanced techniques.

Investigators disclosed that the gang sent deceptive APK file links to unsuspecting individuals via mobile devices. Once victims clicked on the link, the fraudsters allegedly gained full remote access to their devices, allowing them to quickly drain funds from bank accounts.

During the raid, law enforcement seized 11 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, and five motorcycles from the scene. These motorcycles were reportedly utilized for traveling to their forest hideouts and transporting equipment necessary for their cyber fraud operations.

SP Dr. Bimal Kumar noted that several gang members are repeat offenders, having previously served time for cybercrime in Delhi and various police jurisdictions within Giridih. After their release, they reassembled and relocated their operations to forested areas to evade capture.

Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the gang's financial activities, bank accounts, and potential connections to broader cybercrime networks operating in other regions.