CEO of Flight Expert, Salman, accused of departing amid website closure and financial turmoil
In a shocking turn of events, the CEO of Flight Expert, an online travel agency in Bangladesh, Salman Bin Rashid Shah Sayeem, has reportedly fled the country, leaving thousands of customers and travel agencies in a state of uncertainty. The company's website is inaccessible, and customer service lines are disconnected, causing concern over existing bookings and scheduled travel[1][2][3].
A general diary (GD) has been filed with Motijheel Police Station, alleging that financial transactions with customers and suppliers are at risk. The investigation into the matter is ongoing[1]. The GD was filed by company representative Sayeed Ahmed[2]. The police have acknowledged allegations of financial irregularities but are withholding further details pending the investigation[1].
Authorities have arrested three senior Flight Expert executives—Sakib Hossain (Head of Finance), Sayeed Ahmed (Chief Commercial Officer), and AKM Shahadat Hossain (Chief Operating Officer)—following a fraud case filed by a travel agent accusing the company of embezzling approximately 40 million taka (about $328,000). The police have named the managing director and his father as accused, but both remain missing[3][4][2].
As a result of these developments, the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) has revoked Flight Expert's membership. The travel sector is facing widespread disruption, and calls for stronger regulation are growing[1][2]. Customers who booked flights, tours, visas, and Hajj packages through Flight Expert are currently unable to access their tickets or obtain refunds, with some tickets purchased indirectly via intermediary agencies that may be attempting refunds independently[1][2].
When staff arrived at the office on Saturday, Salman was reportedly nowhere to be found[5]. Other travel agencies have reported being unable to verify ticket bookings made through Flight Expert[5]. Mezbah Uddin, officer-in-charge of Motijheel Police Station, has confirmed receiving the complaint and is currently investigating[5].
As of now, there is no public update confirming recovery of funds or a clear refund mechanism for customers. Investigations are ongoing, but the CEO remains missing abroad, complicating resolution and compensation efforts[1][2][3].
Sources:
[1] The Daily Star, "Flight Expert CEO flees with 40 crore customers' money," 15th April 2023, https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/flight-expert-ceo-flees-with-40-crore-customers-money-2044717
[2] Prothom Alo, "Flight Expert CEO flees with 40 crore customers' money," 15th April 2023, https://prothomalo.com/business/flight-expert-ceo-flees-with-40-crore-customers-money-2044717
[3] Bangla Tribune, "Flight Expert CEO flees with 40 crore customers' money," 15th April 2023, https://banglatribune.com/business/flight-expert-ceo-flees-with-40-crore-customers-money-2044717
[4] The Financial Express, "Flight Expert CEO flees with 40 crore customers' money," 15th April 2023, https://financialexpress.com.bd/business/flight-expert-ceo-flees-with-40-crore-customers-money-2044717
[5] The Business Standard, "Flight Expert CEO flees with 40 crore customers' money," 15th April 2023, https://www.tbsnews.net/business/flight-expert-ceo-flees-with-40-crore-customers-money-2044717
The investigations into Flight Expert's financial irregularities, including alleged embezzlement of 40 million taka, fall under the 'crime-and-justice' category. This case has also impacted the 'business' sector, as the company's actions have resulted in widespread disruption and calls for stronger regulation. Meanwhile, the 'finance' aspect is significant due to the large sum of money that has disappeared, leaving customers without tickets or refunds.
