Vadodara: The Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Anand district has busted an interstate cyber fraud racket, arresting four persons who allegedly used bank accounts and digital payment systems to siphon off money from unsuspecting victims.The breakthrough came during intensified surveillance ahead of the Umreth by-election, when an LCB team intercepted four individuals near Dream Hotel at Borsad-Vasad chokdi. On questioning, police found them allegedly operating a network that revolved around procuring bank accounts and financial instruments on the promise of easy commissions.The arrested men have been identified as Dashrath Daji Thakor from Ahmedabad, Pruthviraj Chaudhary from Patan, Sikandar Meena from Rajasthan and Utkarsh Patel from Mehsana. Two others, including a woman from Patan, are on the run.Investigators said the group lured people with promises of quick money in exchange for access to their bank accounts, ATM and debit cards, and cheque books. Once in control, the accused allegedly routed fraudulently obtained funds through QR codes and multiple accounts, withdrawing the money swiftly to avoid detection.During the operation, police seized several ATM and debit cards, cheque books, four smartphones and other digital evidence linked to the fraud.A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Police said efforts are on to trace the absconding accused.
