GST Department May Probe 29 Celebrities for Endorsing Illegal Betting App Promotions



Quick Summary
The GST department is reportedly preparing to investigate 29 celebrities, including actors and influencers, for potential tax evasion related to their endorsements of illegal online betting apps. This follows an Enforcement Directorate probe that uncovered over £50 million in payments for promoting banned offshore platforms like Parimatch and JeetWin. The GST authorities will examine if income was properly declared and if offshore platforms complied with new registration and tax regulations, potentially leading to violations of CGST Act provisions.

The investigation into 29 actors, influencers and YouTubers for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting platforms could soon widen, as the GST department is reportedly preparing to examine possible tax violations linked to these endorsements. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier booked the celebrities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, after uncovering over Rs 50 crore in payments made to various media and marketing firms. These firms were allegedly involved i
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FAQ :

The GST department may investigate celebrities for potential tax violations linked to their endorsements of illegal online betting apps, examining if income from these promotions was properly declared.

The article mentions offshore betting apps such as Parimatch and JeetWin, which are banned in India.

The ED had previously booked the celebrities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after uncovering over £50 million in payments made to firms promoting these betting apps.

A framework introduced in 2023 mandates registration for offshore gaming and betting platforms catering to Indian users, though this registration does not legalise the activity itself but ensures tax compliance.

Potential violations include those under Section 122 and Section 132 of the CGST Act, 2017, concerning the suppression of taxable transactions and tax evasion.

Concerns include the apps allegedly causing financial distress to users, particularly youth, who were misled by celebrity endorsements into believing they were legitimate entertainment platforms.




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Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

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