Bogus GST Bill Scam: Search for MLA’s Nephew and 34 Others Continues

By: Admin | October 21, 2024
Category: GST Recent News
Read Time: 4 Minutes

The investigation into a massive multi-crore GST scam has expanded, with 35 accused now identified. Among them is Siddharth Barad, the nephew of BJP MLA Bhaga Barad. Authorities have launched a search operation to apprehend the accused, who remain at large. The crime branch has enlisted the assistance of local police to track down the suspects.

The scam, which involves fraudulent GST billing, has cast suspicion on over 30 chartered accountants responsible for auditing approximately 200 firms across Gujarat, including in Ahmedabad. The crime branch suspects that the number of individuals implicated in this case may rise as the investigation progresses.

Key Developments:

Widening Investigation: Chartered accountants from cities such as Nadiad, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh have been questioned, with investigators alleging that they knowingly authenticated fraudulent bills for shell companies in exchange for money.

Major Raids: Earlier, Ahmedabad’s Crime Branch conducted raids at 14 locations across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Junagadh, Kheda, and Bhavnagar. The raids uncovered critical documents and exposed over 200 shell companies involved in tax fraud worth crores.

Detentions and Arrests: These operations have already led to the arrest of several individuals, including a journalist. Authorities have detained 33 operators linked to the creation of 12 shell companies.

The scam involves the manipulation of GST bills and vouchers to evade taxes, causing significant financial damage to the state. Investigators continue to follow leads, and further arrests are expected as the search for the accused intensifies.

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