Mumbai Shipping fraud: Is the shipping fraud of Rs 18 crore in Mumbai just the beginning? Layers of links between India-Dubai companies, fake container orders and fund diversion are yet to be revealed in the FIR. Will a big international network come to light in the investigation?
Mumbai The shipping fraud case of Rs 18 crore registered in Mumbai is now opening the way for a major international investigation. The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has registered this case against several Indian and Dubai companies, which includes serious allegations like fake container release orders, fund diversion, and fraudulent earnings. This case has created a stir in the logistics sector of Mumbai, because in the initial investigation many such angles have come to light, which indicate that this may not be a fraud of just one company, but a big network. The EOW team is currently investigating the financial trail to find out where the money was sent and in which foreign accounts it was deposited.
Is Mumbai’s Rs 18 crore shipping fraud linked to an international network?
According to the FIR, this fraud continued from April 22, 2025 till now. The case was filed by Vishal Pankaj Mehta, who is the director of Rushabh Sealink and Logistics Pvt. Ltd. He told that Dubai’s Aladdin Express DMCC, India’s ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd., and officials of other companies together committed the fraud in an organized manner. According to the complaint, the companies issued several fake container release orders and collected huge amounts of money in the name of business deals. Later these commitments were not fulfilled.
How did fund diversion of Rs 18.33 crore happen?
Investigation revealed that the accused had complete information about the dues of different port authorities. Despite this, he forced the complainant to pay the amount in dollars on several occasions. It was also revealed that instead of investing the money in business, it was used for personal gains and wrongdoings. Officials suspect that this amount may have been sent to several accounts abroad. Therefore, investigation into money laundering can also be initiated.
FIR was registered against which officers and companies?
- These key officials and companies have been named accused in the FIR:
- Sandeep Bakshi-CEO, ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd.
- Vikas Khan-Director, Aladdin Express DMCC
- Ali Khan-CEO, Aladdin Express DMCC
- Indian & Foreign Associated Companies
According to sources, the role of Hutchison Port and other foreign companies may also come to light in the investigation.
How big can the scam be?
Officials say that this amount of Rs 18,33 crore may increase even more as the investigation progresses, Many transactions are still under verification and many new names may emerge, , As the financial trail opens, the amount may turn out to be much more than this,