A joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police has exposed a racket involved in evading nearly ₹2 crore in GST through shell firms. Four accused were arrested near Hathoda crossing on Saturday, while other members of the gang are absconding. Fake invoices, transport documents and mobile phones were recovered from their possession.
The case came to light on November 28 last year when a GST mobile enforcement team detected suspicious e-way bills and transport documents issued in the name of “Pramod Enterprise”. Verification revealed forged invoices and fake bilty documents used to siphon off tax revenue. An FIR was registered at Roza police station and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, with the probe later handed over to the gangster cell.
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The arrested accused have been identified as Akhilesh (Rae Bareli), Vipin (Badaun, currently residing in Ghaziabad), Shivom Sharma (Muzaffarnagar) and Rahul Rana (Shamli). During interrogation, police found that the gang lured unemployed youths with promises of jobs and collected copies of their Aadhaar and PAN cards. These documents were then used to register bogus firms without the knowledge of the individuals.
Investigators said the fake firms were used to generate fictitious purchase and sale transactions to fraudulently claim input tax credit. The gang also created fabricated e-way bills showing movement of scrap-laden trucks, although no actual goods were transported. This enabled large-scale GST evasion.
Police revealed that the accused operated a WhatsApp group named “Brothers Logistic”, through which they shared forged documents and planned the notional movement of vehicles. The digital trail recovered from their mobile phones has provided leads about additional shell firms and possible associates. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining members.
Officials said such rackets not only cause significant loss to the exchequer but also misuse identity documents of unsuspecting individuals, exposing them to future legal complications. People have been advised not to share Aadhaar, PAN or other identity documents with unknown persons or organisations.
The STF said the financial layering of the GST fraud is being examined and relevant departments have been informed to cancel the registrations of the fake firms and initiate further action. Proceedings under the Gangster Act are also being prepared against the accused.
Police added that efforts are underway to identify other beneficiaries and collaborators linked to the network, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
