Mumbai: A massive corporate fraud of over ₹325 crore has come to light in Mumbai’s shipping and logistics sector. Vishal Mehta, Director of Rushabh Sealink & Logistics Pvt. Ltd., has filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, prompting a detailed Preliminary Enquiry.

According to sources, Mehta’s complaint accuses ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd. (a subsidiary of Allcargo Logistics Ltd.), Dubai-based Aladdin Express DMCC, and OEL Express India Pvt. Ltd. of orchestrating the fraud. The complaint alleges that these companies lured him into ship operations with promises of guaranteed profits. Initial transactions appeared genuine, but later, crores of rupees were siphoned off under the guise of new deals.

Major Scam Linked to Ships ‘Leela Mombasa’ and ‘XXH-2’ :  The largest fraud is linked to shipments on Leela Mombasa and XXH-2. The Leela Mombasa was scheduled to dock at Nhava Sheva on August 1, 2025, but instead arrived late on August 13 and was diverted to Oman instead of Djibouti, carrying cargo worth ₹130 crore. Meanwhile, on August 26, Mehta was allegedly extorted for USD 1 million (approx. ₹8.3 crore).

The accused reportedly claimed they lacked funds to move the ships further. Despite payments, the vessels failed to reach on time. Leela Mombasa only arrived at Djibouti on September 15, while XXH-2 was diverted from Jeddah to Karachi and held for 10 days. Adding to the fraud, security cheques issued by ALX and OEL Express bounced—one due to insufficient funds and another due to signature mismatch.

As a result, goods worth over ₹290 crore remain under the accused’s control, causing heavy losses to exporters. Calling it a “well-planned corporate conspiracy,” Mehta alleged that both Indian and foreign company executives were involved. The complaint specifically names ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd., Allcargo Logistics Ltd., Aladdin Express DMCC, and OEL Express India Pvt. Ltd., along with senior representatives including Sandeep Bakshi, Ravi Jakhar, Vikas Khan, Ali Khan, Wing Kit Tsoi (Mr. Andy), Abdullah, and Mohammed Rizwan Sheikh.

“This is not just about one company but about the credibility of India’s shipping and logistics industry,” Mehta said. “We have provided all evidence to the authorities. The involvement of international firms like Aladdin Express DMCC and stakeholders such as Allcargo Logistics, Hutchison Port, and Vikas Khan shows the global scale of the scam. We trust EOW and regulatory agencies will conduct a fair and transparent investigation.”

EOW officials confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has been registered. All individuals and companies named in the complaint have been summoned with documents to record their statements.

Mumbai: The Kandivali police have registered a case of cheating worth ₹4.07 crore against a local developer, identified as Jayant Mehta, a resident of Samajdeep building, Bata Showroom Lane, Kandivali (West)..

According to the complaint lodged by Dinesh Dayalal Vadodaria (74), a real estate agent, the accused allegedly duped him by showing redevelopment documents of 11 rooms located at Shivmahal Building, Danvibhavan Chawl, Mathuradas Road, Kandivali (West). The accused assured the complainant of profitable returns if he financed the project.

Believing these assurances, Vadodaria invested ₹2.89 crore in cash and ₹1.18 crore via cheque, totaling ₹4.07 crore. However, neither the redevelopment project materialized nor did the complainant receive any returns, leading to the registration of the case.

The alleged fraud occurred at Mathuradas Road, White Arch Building, Kandivali (West). Police have booked the accused under relevant sections of cheating and fraud. Further investigation is underway.

Mumbai: Mumbaikars woke up to scattered showers and overcast skies on Thursday. The shift in weather brought much-needed relief to residents who endured a turbulent September marked by heavy rains across the Konkan belt.

For nearly a week, torrential rains had disrupted life in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, flooding streets, halting transport, and forcing authorities to issue repeated advisories. However, with the arrival of October, the monsoon’s intensity has eased, giving citizens a welcome respite.

In Mumbai, the day began with cloudy skies but little to no rainfall. The water that had accumulated in low-lying parts of the city over the past few days has started receding, allowing traffic to move more smoothly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the city’s maximum temperature is likely to hover between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will stay around 27 degrees. Light winds and high humidity will make conditions feel warm and muggy.

Thane and Navi Mumbai, too, reported a pause in heavy showers on Thursday morning. Roads that had been clogged with water earlier this week have begun to clear, with commuters finding it easier to move around. The IMD has forecast a generally cloudy day with chances of light drizzles in some pockets. The temperature in these twin cities is expected to remain between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, with wind speeds averaging 12 kmph.

Further north in Palghar, the intensity of rain has dropped sharply. The district will continue to see cloudy skies with only light to moderate showers in isolated areas, according to the forecast. No weather alerts have been issued for the next few days, easing concerns for residents.

Meanwhile, the coastal districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, which bore the brunt of September’s lashing monsoon, also witnessed calmer conditions on Thursday. With no heavy rains reported, the skies remained partly cloudy. Daytime temperatures here are expected to stay between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius, accompanied by mild winds.