In a major crackdown on GST fraud, police in Greater Noida have arrested a former private firm employee for allegedly generating fake invoices worth nearly Rs 10 crore to fraudulently claim input tax credit (ITC) of Rs 1.8 crore.
The accused, identified as Abhinav Tyagi, originally from Moradabad and residing in the Bisrakh area of Greater Noida, was nabbed by the Cyber Police on Saturday.
According to investigators, Tyagi exploited his role in the accounts section of a Noida-based company, where he handled GST filings and returns. In collusion with an accomplice, he prepared forged invoices to unlawfully claim ITC.
"On Saturday, the Cyber Police, Noida, arrested Abhinav Tyagi. He had prepared fake invoices amounting to about Rs 10 crore to claim GST of Rs 1.8 crore," said Shavya Goyal, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Noida).
During the arrest, authorities seized four mobile phones, eight SIM cards, a laptop, a car, GST-related documents and a rent agreement from Tyagi. He was booked under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, produced before a court, and subsequently sent to jail. Police confirmed that efforts are underway to trace and arrest his accomplice.
Rising GST Fraud Cases Across India
This case adds to a growing list of GST scams being unearthed across the country. Just last month, two individuals were arrested for orchestrating a Rs 1,300 crore scam involving fake e-way bills, shell companies, and forged tax documents. Authorities recovered laptops, printers, mobile phones, and incriminating material during the raid.
In another case from Pune, the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) department arrested two company directors accused of fraudulently claiming ITC worth nearly ₹50 crore. Among them was Yashwant Kumar Tailor, director of Magic Gold Bullion Pvt. Ltd., who was apprehended on Saturday.
Government's Crackdown on Fake ITC
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and state tax departments have intensified their vigilance against fraudulent ITC claims, which pose a significant threat to tax revenue collection. Fake invoice rackets often involve the creation of shell entities, forged e-way bills, and manipulated GST returns to exploit loopholes in the system.
Authorities have urged businesses to exercise caution, conduct due diligence while dealing with vendors, and ensure all GST-related transactions are verified through official portals to avoid complicity in such frauds.
CAclubindia
