In a case involving fraudulent input tax credit (ITC) claims amounting to ₹8.71 crore through bogus companies, Lucknow Police have arrested Keshwani Abbas Hussain Ramzan Ali from Pune. The case came to light last September when a complaint was filed at Indiranagar police station against Aradhya Enterprises for allegedly passing ITC fraudulently.
Gaurav Kumar Rajput, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Zone 21, stated that Aradhya Enterprises was registered in the central jurisdiction using documents of Naveenchandra Keshwalal Solanki from Ahmedabad. However, the firm was actually being operated by other individuals. During the investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, and the accused’s location was traced. Subsequently, on March 22, Lucknow Police apprehended Keshwani Abbas Hussain Ramzan Ali from Pune.
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Mastermind Linked to Multiple Bogus Firms in GST Fraud Network
The investigation revealed that the accused was not limited to Aradhya Enterprises alone. He was also the mastermind behind other firms, including SM Traders, Rathore Enterprises, and Gaur Trading. This indicates that the network involved multiple individuals and firms across different states engaged in ITC and GST-related fraud worth crores of rupees.
Police officials explained that the accused prepared fake invoices and submitted them to banks and tax authorities, enabling large-scale ITC claims. In addition, fake transactions and documents were prepared in the names of other firms, which gradually came to light during the investigation.
How Bogus Companies Fuel Extensive Forgery and Deception
Experts note that such cases are not merely financial fraud but also exemplify an extensive network of forgery and deception. In such scams, masterminds often misuse the names of companies and individuals at both urban and rural levels.
Police stated that operations to apprehend other accused are underway. While this is not the first instance of uncovering such bogus companies and invoice networks in recent months, this arrest is expected to accelerate the investigation significantly.
Strict Measures and Warnings to Curb ITC and GST Fraud
State tax officials warned that to prevent such fraud, regular verification and scrutiny of firms and their documents are essential. Moreover, strict monitoring of digital records and banking systems is necessary for large financial transactions.
Lucknow Police added that the accused will be produced in court, and after a thorough investigation, further action will be taken against other involved individuals. This sends a strong message that the law against financial and tax-related fraud is being enforced rigorously.
With this arrest, the collaborative investigation by state and central agencies is also progressing rapidly, aiming to completely expose the network of bogus companies and its mastermind.
