Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : A specific intelligence was developed by the officers of Delhi South CGST Commissionerate concerning certain bogus firms that were created solely for the purpose of generating fake invoices and passing ineligible input tax credit along the chain. Searches and inspections were conducted at locations spread across Delhi, unearthing a cartel running 54 bogus firms registered in Delhi –NCR region that were engaged in fake invoicing and circular trading. Incriminating documents such as rubber stamps and letter heads of various firms, mobile phones, laptops etc. were seized from the premises searched.
Preliminary enquiry conducted so far into these transactions has revealed fake invoicing of around Rs 611 crores and tax evasion of over Rs 38.5 crores. The members of cartel in their Confessional statements have accepted their roles in managing these bogus firms, according to a PIB release.
The persons behind these bogus firms allegedly hatched the conspiracy to defraud the government and committed offences specified under section 132(1)(b) and 132(1)(c) of the CGST Act 2017 which are cognizable and non-bailable. Three key persons of the cartel namely Ankit Gupta, the alleged mastermind managing these bogus firms, and two of his accomplice Rabiendra Singh and Rajendra Singh were arrested on February 23, 2022. The accused were produced before the Duty Magistrate following which they have been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. Further investigation is under progress.