Jadugora in East Singhbhum district has emerged as a major centre of organised cyber fraud, with law enforcement agencies from multiple states launching an extensive crackdown that has led to the arrest of 14 alleged cyber criminals so far.
Investigators believe the syndicate was operating a sophisticated financial fraud network that targeted victims across the country through fraudulent calls, cloned SIM cards and fake banking operations. Security agencies have expressed concern over the rapid expansion of cybercrime activities in the Jadugora region, warning that sustained enforcement action and digital awareness campaigns are needed to prevent the area from becoming a major cybercrime hotspot.
Cyber Fraud Network Under Scanner
One of the major cases linked to the network involved the fraudulent withdrawal of approximately ₹1.25 crore from bank accounts belonging to senior officials of Uranium Corporation of India Limited. The incident triggered an intensive investigation and drew the attention of cybercrime units from several states.
Authorities have identified Jadugora, Kokda, Ichra, Rakha Mines and Navrang Market as primary operational hubs of the cyber fraud syndicates. According to an audit conducted between 2023 and 2025, investigators have identified 197 suspicious mobile numbers currently under active surveillance.
The probe has also uncovered the alleged use of 1,432 cloned or fraudulent SIM cards by cyber criminals to carry out financial scams and evade detection.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
Bank Accounts Frozen In Crackdown
As part of the ongoing crackdown, authorities have frozen more than 76 bank accounts suspected of being linked to cyber fraud activities. These include 22 accounts in Bank of India, 18 accounts in State Bank of India, 14 accounts in Bank of Baroda and more than 22 accounts in other banks.
Officials believe these accounts were used to receive, transfer and launder money obtained through fraudulent transactions. Investigators have identified Raj Bhakat of Ichra village as the alleged mastermind behind the local cyber fraud network.
According to police sources, his family was earlier engaged in a modest business dealing in flour, maida and grocery products. Authorities later observed a rapid and unusual increase in the family’s wealth after their alleged involvement in digital fraud operations, prompting closer scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
Delhi Police Cyber Cell Leads Raids
The investigation has revealed that the syndicate allegedly recruited unemployed local youths by offering quick financial gains, expensive sports motorcycles, branded gadgets and luxury trips to cities such as Kolkata. Police officials believe this strategy helped expand the network and created a steady supply of operatives for cyber fraud activities.
Following months of technical surveillance and financial tracking, the Delhi Police Cyber Cell conducted a series of targeted raids in the region. The operations led to the arrest of several key suspects, including Rohit Bhakat, Malay Bhakat, Santosh Bhakat, Kiran Bhakat and Ratnakar Bhakat.
Authorities indicated that further arrests are likely as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and financial links.
