Hyderabad: An alleged multi-crore fraud involving the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come to light, with a Hyderabad-based media company accusing a US businessman of using forged financial documents to misrepresent his investment capacity. Based on the complaint, Hyderabad Police’s Central Crime Station (CCS) has registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for alleged cheating and forgery and has launched an investigation.
According to the complaint, Hyderabad-based Metalloid Productions had, in September 2025, submitted a joint bid with India’s national broadcaster to acquire the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Indian subcontinent. The consortium reportedly placed a bid worth approximately ₹670 crore, which was initially declared successful. However, the national broadcaster subsequently withdrew from the project due to regulatory and procedural issues, leaving the private company responsible for arranging the entire funding independently.
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While searching for new investors, the company came into contact with US-based businessman Dilip Mhaske, also known as Sam Mhaske. The complaint alleges that Mhaske portrayed himself as a financially strong and influential investor capable of funding the project. He allegedly claimed to have close ties with members of US President Donald Trump’s family and senior officials in the US administration. To reinforce his credibility, he is also accused of showing videos, photographs and screenshots purportedly depicting his interactions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Relying on these representations, Metalloid Productions entered into an investment agreement with Mhaske’s US-based firm, Avani LLC, for an investment of approximately US$50 million. The company alleges that, as part of the funding process, Mhaske submitted financial documents to FIFA claiming to demonstrate his financial capability.
According to the complaint, FIFA’s verification process subsequently found the submitted financial documents to be forged and fabricated. As a result, the proposed investment came under scrutiny, jeopardising the entire broadcasting rights transaction. The company alleges that the fake documentation not only derailed the investment but also caused the collapse of its commercial engagement with FIFA.
The complainant has claimed that the incident resulted in an immediate financial loss of nearly ₹2 crore, in addition to causing significant reputational damage to the company. The complaint further states that, considering the overall commercial value of the broadcasting rights, the total potential business loss could reach US$800 million.
Following the complaint, Hyderabad Police registered an FIR under relevant BNS provisions relating to cheating, forgery and the use of forged documents. Investigators are examining the financial records, investment agreements, electronic communications and other documents connected with the proposed international transaction. Authorities may also seek assistance from foreign agencies and other institutions as part of the investigation.
Police officials said they currently have limited information regarding the accused’s whereabouts. As the investigation progresses, authorities are considering issuing a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Mhaske and, if required, initiating extradition proceedings in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Officials added that further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing forensic and financial investigation.
Cybersecurity and financial crime experts say the case highlights the importance of independently verifying an investor’s financial credentials before entering into high-value international commercial agreements. They caution that relying solely on claims of influence, photographs, videos or purported high-profile connections without thorough due diligence can expose companies to substantial financial and reputational risks.
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.
