Kataka: The Odisha Crime Branch has busted a cyber fraud racket allegedly operating through fake second-hand car advertisements on Facebook Marketplace and arrested one person in connection with the case.

The arrested accused has been identified as Shubhendra Rout, who was running a travel agency in Bhubaneswar. The Crime Branch arrested him in Bhubaneswar during its investigation into the cyber fraud case.

According to the investigation, the fraud came to light after a complainant came across an advertisement for a second-hand car on Facebook Marketplace. Interested in purchasing the vehicle, the complainant contacted the person who had advertised the car.

The accused allegedly introduced himself as an agent and convinced the complainant to make online payments for the vehicle. However, after the entire amount was transferred, neither the car was delivered nor was the money returned.

Following the complaint, the Crime Branch launched an investigation and found that the incident was part of an organised cyber fraud racket.

Investigators found that Rs 3.80 lakh had been transferred to an account linked to Shubhendra Rout during the course of the alleged fraud.

The probe has also revealed that the racket involved at least four other persons, who are currently absconding. The network is suspected to have links beyond Odisha, with the fraud operation allegedly extending to other states.

Further investigation is underway to identify the other members of the racket and trace the money allegedly collected from victims.