Mumbai: Father-son duo cheats Dubai exporter of Rs 64 lakh, on the run

A case has been registered at Charkop police station. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The Charkop Police have launched a manhunt for a father-son duo accused of duping a 56-year-old Dubai-based Indian exporter of nearly Rs 64 lakh in an alleged international trade fraud.

The complainant, who operates Anmol Yogesh General Trading LLC in Dubai, entered into a business deal with the accused in June 2025 through an online platform.

Jatin Bhadeka, an accused

The duo, who positioned themselves as reliable suppliers, allegedly promised a bulk supply of Amul ghee and Lifebuoy soap at competitive export rates.
Trusting the deal, the complainant transferred a total of Rs 64,00,402 ($72,420) in multiple installments between September and October 2025. However, after taking the money, the accused - Jatin Bhadeka and his father, Bharat Bhadeka, linked to Dhruv International (HUF) - went absconding.

Fake shipment

The alleged fraud came to light after the complainant got a bill of lading that raised concerns, as the cargo had no name of the shipping company and only partial container and seal numbers. A check on an international tracking platform showed the container located in Turkey, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the shipment.

The fraud

According to the complaint, the accused attempted to maintain credibility by sharing photos and WhatsApp messages claiming goods were ready but later claimed that the shipment was damaged in transit. The accused also issued a cancellation letter; however, despite cancelling the order, there was no refund made.

Complaint filed

Accusing the father-son duo of forgery, cheating, and financial fraud, the Dubai-based exporter registered a police complainant in December 2025. "Based on the complaint of the victim, a case under the relevant section of BNS was registered at Charkop police station," said an officer.

Search underway

The officer said that the police are tracking the money trail and verifying documents to uncover the full extent of the alleged scam while also exploring whether the accused may be part of a larger cross-border fraud network.