A Delhi-based gang has been busted for allegedly running a sophisticated cyber fraud operation that targeted individuals in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, using deceptive tactics involving fake airline ticket bookings and cancellations. The scam, orchestrated under the guise of a legitimate travel agency named AVS Holidays, reportedly duped hundreds of fliers by exploiting airline refund systems through the use of forged documents, including fabricated death and medical certificates.
According to the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police Special Cell, the accused utilized digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media promotions, and online advertising to ensure their fraudulent flight booking and cancellation services appeared prominently in search results, often above those of legitimate service providers. When unsuspecting individuals engaged with these fake ads, the scammers would gather sensitive financial information, including credit card numbers and CVV codes, ostensibly for booking assistance.
The modus operandi involved booking tickets in the victims' names and subsequently canceling them without the customers' knowledge. The syndicate would then impersonate the customers and submit forged documents, such as the aforementioned fake medical and death certificates, to airlines, seeking full ticket refunds. These fraudulent refunds were either partially returned to the victims after deducting fabricated cancellation fees or not refunded at all. Preliminary forensic analysis of seized electronic devices has revealed the extensive use of forged documents to facilitate these fraudulent claims.
Akshay Sharma, the prime accused, admitted to running fraudulent call centers disguised as a travel agency for several years. He confessed to targeting primarily US and other foreign nationals by posing as an authorized flight booking agency. During a raid conducted on June 24, 2025, authorities seized 36 laptops, six mobile phones, four external hard drives, and numerous forged documents.
This recent bust is not an isolated incident. In April 2025, Delhi Police arrested two men for running a similar scam involving fake airline tickets sold through social media. In this instance, victims were lured by advertisements for cheap flights and persuaded to share personal and payment details, after which the scammers would book dummy tickets and disappear once the money was received. The mastermind behind that operation had previously been arrested in Mumbai in 2023 for a similar international ticket scam, highlighting a pattern of repeated offenses and evolving tactics within these cyber fraud networks.
These incidents underscore the growing threat of online travel scams and the importance of vigilance when booking flights or other travel services online. Law enforcement agencies continue to combat these schemes, but consumers must exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of travel agencies and online advertisements before sharing personal or financial information.
