Fake firms cheat transport company

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A Mumbai-based gang has been booked for cheating a Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar transport company of Rs 28.47 lakh using a fake company and forged documents. The scam unfolded over two months, with the accused posing as executives of a chemical firm and a transport company.

A case has been registered at Jawaharnagar Police Station against Surendra Sharma alias Rohan Verma, Andrew D’Souza, Deepak Sharma alias Pradeep Sharma, Kunalsingh, Vivek Karankale, and Ganesh Bhoja.

How the fraud began

In August 2023, Andrew D’Souza contacted Indiglob Logistics LLP (Mukund Borade, N-8), claiming to represent Finotex Organic and Chemical Industries based in Andheri. He proposed a transportation deal for goods from Tamil Nadu and introduced Rohan Verma as the manager handling operations. When Indiglob declined the offer due to the unavailability of large trucks, the accused suggested using Balchandra Transport, a company they claimed was located near their office.

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Fake transport deal scam

Indiglob representatives (Borade) then met Vivek Karankale, who was introduced as the owner of Balchandra Transport. An agreement was finalized, with terms stating that 90% of the freight charges would be paid in advance and the remaining 10% after delivery. Between September and October 2023, Indiglob paid Rs 28.47 lakh to Balchandra Transport. However, the scam was uncovered when no delivery was made even after 45 days.

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Freight scam fake firms

After 45 days with no delivery, Indiglob representatives visited the Finotex office for a follow-up. To their shock, both the Finotex and Balchandra Transport offices were found shut. Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that both companies were fake, and the person introduced as Balchandra’s owner, Vivek Karankale, was actually a driver named Ganesh Salian Bhoja. The gang has allegedly defrauded others in a similar way and has criminal cases registered against them in Vapi and Kalamboli.