Mumbai Businessman Loses ₹14 Lakh In Fake Emirates Airlines Contract Scam

Mumbai: A businessman from Juhu, Kunal Bipin Bajaj (46), owner of Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai Pvt. Ltd., was duped of ₹14.08 lakh in an elaborate cyber fraud. The Central Cyber Police Station has registered a case against two unidentified cybercriminals in connection with the scam.

Bajaj's company, which provides flight catering services to Air India, Vistara, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates, was previously in business with Emirates Airlines until their contract expired in 2019. Since 2020, Bajaj had been trying to renew the contract through direct communication with the airline’s Dubai office.

On February 5, 2025, Bajaj received an email from claiming that Emirates Airlines was interested in renewing their flight catering contract for 2025. The email contained guidelines for the agreement. Since his company had previously worked with Emirates, he responded positively.

Later, the fraudsters, using the email , directed Bajaj to contact a person named Abdullah Mansour via WhatsApp. Over the next few days, Bajaj received what appeared to be official documents on Emirates Airlines letterhead, including a Vendor Questionnaire, EOI Acknowledgment Form, and Vendor Assessment Policy Letter.

On February 11, 2025, Bajaj was instructed to pay a refundable deposit of USD 16,200 (₹14,08,428) within three days to a specified bank account. Trusting the authenticity of the request, Bajaj transferred the amount on February 14.

On February 26, the fraudsters, again posing as Emirates Airlines representatives, demanded an additional AED 3,00,000 (₹72 lakh) as a "Mandatory Refundable Bid Bond Deposit Invoice." This raised Bajaj's suspicion, prompting him to ask a friend in Dubai to verify the legitimacy of the deal.

When his friend visited the Emirates Airlines office, he discovered that the airline had never contacted anyone regarding flight catering services and confirmed that the entire transaction was fraudulent. Following this revelation, Bajaj lodged a formal complaint with the Central Cyber Police Station, Mumbai. The police are now tracking the fraudsters, including those using fake email addresses, WhatsApp numbers, and bank accounts involved in the scam.