Thane crime branch arrest two for selling expired goods, changing labels

THANE: Two persons were arrested by the Thane Crime Branch in connection with a massive fraud involving the illegal diversion and resale of expired consumer goods originally meant for destruction.The accused, a resident of Bhiwandi and another a Sakinaka resident, were caught storing and attempting to sell around 12 tonnes of expired items from a consignment of 200 tonnes, which was dispatched for recycling by e-commerce.According to police officials, the accused, in collusion with unidentified accomplices, conspired to intercept expired stock being sent to a recycling unit in Santacruz, Mumbai. Instead of ensuring the goods were destroyed as per protocol, they forged delivery documents, diverted the stock to private godowns in areas such as Bhiwandi and Dahisar, and repackaged the products for resale in the general market.The seized goods include large quantities of flour, cooking oil, washing powder, soaps, sanitary pads, diapers, and health supplements—all past their expiration dates. Police revealed that the products were dispatched from e-commerce warehouses located in Ahmedabad and Nagpur between June 23 and June 25, 2025. Documentary evidence seized from the accused includes forged invoices, fake delivery challans, gate passes, and manipulated stock registers.Further investigation revealed that the accused created counterfeit invoices under the names of registered recycling units and used them to legitimise the transport and storage of expired products. These items were then falsely labelled with extended shelf life and sold to unsuspecting customers through local markets, said a police officer.The police registered a case under various sections of the BNS act, including Sections 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 340(2), and 34. The charges include cheating, endangering human life, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.Officials claimed that this case could just be the tip of the iceberg, as more people and firms may be involved in similar rackets operating across the region. Authorities are urging citizens to inspect product labels carefully and report any suspicious or expired items being sold. Further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.