Mumbai Logistics Industry Hit by Rs 325 Crore Shipping Fraud, Investigation Underway

 

The Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai Police has initiated an investigation into a major shipping and logistics scam valued at over Rs 325 crore.

 

The inquiry follows a complaint filed by Vishal Mehta, director of Rushabh Sealink and Logistics Pvt Ltd, against ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of All-around Logistics Ltd. The complaint also names Dubai-based Alladdin Express DMCC and OEL Express India Pvt Ltd as companies allegedly involved in orchestrating the fraud alongside ALX Shipping Agencies.

 

According to the complaint, Mehta was persuaded to invest crores into shipping operations with promises of assured profits. While the business initially operated normally, officials from the accused firms later allegedly misappropriated substantial funds under the pretext of operations, business deals, and development activities.

 

The complaint details irregularities involving two cargo ships, Leela Mombasa and XXH-2. The Leela Mombasa, carrying goods valued at Rs 130 crore, was expected at Nhava Sheva dock on August 1 but arrived 12 days later on August 13 after being diverted to Oman instead of Djibouti. On August 26, the accused reportedly demanded USD 1 million (around Rs 8.3 crore) from Mehta, claiming insufficient funds to continue operations. Despite Mehta paying the amount under pressure, the shipment experienced further delays, with Leela Mombasa finally reaching Djibouti on September 15, resulting in significant financial losses.

 

Similarly, the ship XXH-2 was rerouted from Jeddah to Karachi and remained docked for ten days, causing additional delays and compounding the financial impact.