Raghabendra Kumar MahatoA preprint server has withdrawn three papers by an author at the center of a Retraction Watch story revealing a prolific research factory operated through the WhatsApp messaging system. A Research Square spokesperson told us removal of the preprints followed concerns raised by “an independent assessment.” Following our story, Sinha wrote to Research Square with concerns about the preprints and shared our coverage. Of 10 institutions listed across the three withdrawn preprints, eight were in Pakistan. Sinha noted Mahato’s network, formally called the Global Clinical Research Consortium, “conveniently” rebranded itself as “Research Helpers’” immediately following the publication of our story.