A Hyderabad-based event management company has alleged a fraud of nearly ₹2 crore in connection with its bid for the FIFA World Cup 2026 media rights, prompting the Economic Offences Wing of the Central Crime Station, Hyderabad Police, to register a case and begin an investigation.
The complaint was filed by Pritish Kollati, Managing Director of Metalloid Productions Private Limited. The company has alleged that a US-based businessman and his associates used forged financial documents, bank guarantees and false investment assurances, causing financial and reputational damage.
Investment Claims Under Scrutiny
According to the complaint, Metalloid Productions had emerged as the successful bidder for broadcast and digital media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Indian subcontinent.
After a proposed partnership with a national broadcaster did not materialise, the company began looking for investors to meet FIFA’s financial requirements. During this process, it was introduced to Deelip Mhaske, also known as Sam, who claimed to represent the US-based firm Avni LLC.
The complaint alleges that Mhaske presented himself as a well-connected businessman with access to substantial financial resources and claimed that his company could invest around US$50 million, approximately ₹430 crore, in the project.
Documents Allegedly Found Unverifiable
To support his claims, Mhaske allegedly provided bank statements, financial guarantees and other related documents.
The complainant stated that when these documents were independently verified with UBS Bank in Zurich, Switzerland, the bank accounts and officials mentioned in them could not be traced or verified.
The complaint further alleges that despite these discrepancies, additional financial documents and guarantees were submitted. These were later allegedly found to be false or unverifiable during FIFA’s due diligence process.
EOW Examines Forgery and Conspiracy Claims
According to the complaint, the accused also allegedly circulated edited photographs and promotional material falsely suggesting that Avni LLC had already secured the FIFA media rights.
The company has claimed that these materials were used to attract potential investors and that the episode caused significant reputational harm. The complainant said the company had spent nearly ₹2 crore during its bid for the media rights and that the alleged fraud affected its credibility and prospects of securing the FIFA contract.
Hyderabad Police have registered a case against Deelip Mhaske alias Sam and other associated persons under provisions relating to cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy. Investigators are examining financial documents, banking records, corporate guarantees, digital communications and other electronic evidence to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and the role of each person involved.
