​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, July 11: The Cyber Police in Jharkhand's Giridih district have dismantled an interstate cyber fraud network with alleged links to Odisha, arresting five accused during a special operation on Saturday.

According to police, the gang allegedly defrauded victims of lakhs of rupees by distributing malicious Android application (APK) files disguised as customer support tools. The fake applications, named Customer Support APK and WiFi APK, were sent to unsuspecting users, who were tricked into downloading them. Once installed, the applications allegedly enabled the fraudsters to gain access to sensitive information and siphon money from victims' bank accounts.

The accused were apprehended during a raid in the Taratand forest area of Giridih district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the cyber fraud network operated across multiple states, with suspected links to Odisha.

During the operation, police seized 10 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, a laptop, and four motorcycles. Investigators believe the recovered devices and other materials will provide crucial evidence to help uncover the full extent of the racket and identify other individuals involved.

A case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and all five accused were produced before a local court after their arrest. Police have intensified the investigation to trace the network's interstate operations and verify its alleged connections with Odisha and other states.