Baraut. A major case of alleged theft and substitution of high-value goods has come to light at an e-commerce delivery warehouse in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh. The accused allegedly opened packages containing iPhones, expensive earbuds, shoes, cameras and other electronic products, removed the original items and replaced them with soap, cosmetics, straw and pieces of foam. The packages were then allegedly repacked and sent back through the delivery system. An initial internal investigation has estimated the value of the allegedly misappropriated goods at around ₹77 lakh.
The case was registered on the complaint of Ram Bhavan Singh, manager of Instacart Services Private Limited. Five people have been named in the FIR. Police said the accused allegedly exploited the warehouse and delivery process to replace expensive products with cheaper items for nearly a year and a half.
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During the investigation, it was found that around 60 Apple mobile phones were allegedly removed from their packages. Soap bars and cosmetic products were reportedly placed inside the boxes instead, after which the packages were repacked. In a similar manner, expensive shoes were allegedly removed from their boxes and replaced with straw and pieces of foam.
The accused also allegedly targeted expensive earbuds and other small electronic products. In such packages, nail polish and other inexpensive items were allegedly placed in place of the original products before the parcels were sealed again.
The alleged fraud came to light after consumers who had placed online orders opened their packages and found items different from those they had purchased. Customers who had ordered iPhones, expensive earbuds, shoes, electronic devices and cameras allegedly received cosmetic products or other low-value items instead.
As complaints continued to emerge, suspicion fell on the handling of goods at the delivery warehouse. An internal investigation was subsequently conducted, which allegedly revealed that packages had been tampered with and high-value products were being replaced before being returned through the delivery system.
Investigators are also trying to determine what happened to the expensive products allegedly removed from the packages and whether they were sold or transferred elsewhere. Police are examining whether the five people named in the case acted alone or whether other employees or individuals connected with the warehouse and delivery network were also involved.
The preliminary investigation has estimated the value of the allegedly misappropriated goods at around ₹77 lakh. Police said the amount could increase as the investigation progresses and more records and transactions are examined. Given that the alleged racket had continued for a long period, investigators are also looking into the possibility that the total value of the stolen goods could run into crores of rupees.
Police have begun efforts to trace the five named accused. The circle officer said the case is being investigated thoroughly and the role of other suspected individuals is also being examined.
Investigators are scrutinising the movement of packages, the handling of goods inside the warehouse and complaints received from consumers to establish how the alleged operation functioned. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence gathered during the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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