Delhi GST Refund Fraud Case: Main Conspirators Create 500 Fake Firms, Forge Invoices for Bogus Claims
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) uncovered a massive GST refund fraud in the Trade & Taxes department. The scam, involving the creation of 500 fake firms and forged invoices, led to bogus GST refund claims amounting to ₹54 crore. The police have arrested three main conspirators and four proprietors linked to these fraudulent firms.
Key Details:
Modus Operandi: The accused created fake firms that conducted business activities on paper, such as the export of medicines and medical items, solely to claim fraudulent GST refunds.
Scale of Fraud: The forged invoices totaled approximately ₹718 crores.
Initial Arrests: The ACB had earlier arrested one GST officer, three advocates, two transporters, one CA, and one accountant. These individuals were part of a network orchestrating the fraud.
ED’s Investigation Expands to Gujarat
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expanded its investigation into the GST fraud case. The agency is probing a nexus of 200 fake and shell companies across India, including 50 registrations in Gujarat. The ED’s Ahmedabad unit recently conducted raids in seven cities, uncovering a money laundering scheme tied to fake input tax credits involving Dhruvi Enterprises.
Impact:
This fraud has led to substantial losses for the government, exposing procedural lapses within the GST office. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to track down others involved in the scam.