Vanishing Cargo: UAE's Costly Mystery

Missing Shipments: Yet Another Cargo Firm Vanishes in UAE with Million Dirham Packages

Residents of the United Arab Emirates were shocked to hear that another cargo company, this time Raveed Alam Cargo Service, disappeared without a trace, taking with it consumer packages worth over 2 million dirhams. Such incidents are not unprecedented: a similar situation occurred in 2019 when another Dubai-registered cargo company, Noor Al Fajar Cargo, left numerous customers in the lurch.

Suspiciously Cheap Service – Too Good to Be True?

The story may sound familiar to many: a remarkably cheap package delivery service advertised online appears to be a real gift for members of the diaspora. A Dubai resident searching for “cheap cargo to Pakistan” immediately found the advertisements for Raveed Alam Cargo Service, which promised door-to-door delivery for a fraction of the market price.

Just a few hours after making contact, the pickup arrived, and five cardboard boxes filled with valuable electronics, clothes, and family memorabilia were taken away. The service, costing a total of Dh300, seemed like a steal at the time – today, many call it a trap instead.

No Response, No Shipment

Months passed, but the parcel never arrived. The company's phones were turned off, WhatsApp messages remained unread. One of the victims filed a report with the Dubai police, suspecting that the shipments were not transported but simply sold.

The company started with a convincingly strong launch: their Sharjah warehouse opening was documented with videos, complete with confetti, balloons, and professional marketing. They aggressively advertised on social media, offering free pickup and fast delivery. However, all contact has since gone silent, and the warehouse is closed with a new tenant occupying it.

Hundreds of Thousands of Dirhams Worth Lost

One affected entrepreneur handed over various items worth more than Dh100,000 to the company: watches, a refrigerator, electric bikes, a washing machine, official documents, and personal gifts. He paid Dh8,000 for shipping, with the promise that everything would arrive at his home near Rawalpindi within three to four weeks. That was twenty months ago – the package is still nowhere to be found.

According to the man, when the phone calls were no longer answered, he personally visited the warehouse – which was already completely abandoned at that time. He later received information from the police that the person he knew had left the UAE in September 2024.

Emotional Losses Also Incurred

Another victim, who works in banking, intended to send designer clothes and shoes worth a total of Dh15,000 back home. For months, they were told the shipment was “stuck at Karachi's port.” Eventually, all communication ceased. The individual later joined a WhatsApp group where nearly 40 victims share their experiences. Many believe the actual number of victims could be much higher, as many simply accepted their loss.

Beyond the financial loss, the loss of items attached to emotional value also represents a significant trauma. Unique items, autographed clothing, and limited editions collected from various parts of the world were lost.

Heavy Machines, Batteries, Valuable Equipment Disappeared

An entrepreneur living in Lahore is awaiting cargo valued at nearly Dh150,000 – heavy machinery, LCD stands, solar and laptop batteries. He claims to have entrusted all of these to the company Raveed for a fee of Dh25,000. He said the equipment was the result of many years of hard work, now lost forever.

Reaching the Company Impossible

All their previous UAE phone numbers are disconnected, emails unanswered. The Sharjah warehouse is already in someone else's possession, with the new tenant having no connection to the previous company.

This case eerily resembles the 2019 incident with Noor Al Fajar Cargo, where containers also did not reach recipients and were reportedly auctioned off to Karachi businessmen. Back then, film equipment, children's toys, and wedding albums were lost forever.

What Can We Learn From This?

This case highlights the importance of due diligence, especially when entrusting personal and valuable items to a transport company. Offers that seem too cheap may raise suspicions, and it is worth checking the company's registration, reviews, and if they are listed as official authorized cargo providers in the UAE.

Summary

The disappearance of Raveed Alam Cargo Service caused not only financial but also emotional harm to many. This case also serves as a warning: not every seemingly cheap offer is reliable. UAE authorities are expected to investigate the case, but the offenders leaving abroad complicates justice enforcement. In the future, caution will be particularly important with all services promising door-to-door deliveries.

(The article source is based on accounts from affected residents in Dubai.)