Are ED Raids Targeting Rs 800 Crore GST Scam in Ranchi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ED has intensified efforts against the Rs 800 crore GST scam.
- Raids are being conducted at six locations in Ranchi.
- Shiv Kumar Deora is suspected to be the mastermind behind the operation.
- Numerous individuals have been arrested in relation to the scam.
- The investigation is in its second phase, aiming to reveal a wider network.
Ranchi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a significant operation against a Rs 800 crore Goods and Services Tax (GST) scam, conducting raids at six distinct locations throughout Ranchi.
The focus of these raids is on individuals associated with Kolkata's Shiv Kumar Deora, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind this extensive scam.
Among the primary locations searched is the residence and office of businessman Krishna Thakkar, situated on the fourth floor of Krishna Apartment in the P.P. Compound area, a major residential and commercial hub in Ranchi. Simultaneous operations are also ongoing at five additional sites within the city.
Sources reveal that synchronized raids are taking place in Kolkata and Mumbai as well. This latest enforcement action follows the collection of evidence and documentation from the initial phase of the investigation.
Previously, the ED apprehended a number of individuals linked to the scam, such as Vicky Bhalotia from Jugsalai (Jamshedpur), Gyanchandra Jaiswal alias Bablu Jaiswal, Kolkata businessman Shiv Kumar Deora, Amit Gupta, and Sumit Gupta.
The investigation has uncovered a network of shell companies operated by the accused to fabricate fake invoices and claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) without engaging in any legitimate business. This fraudulent scheme enabled them to evade taxes on a substantial scale.
Officials assert that numerous other individuals played significant roles in expanding and managing the scam, which affected multiple states. With the preliminary investigation concluded, the ED is now advancing into the second phase of its inquiry, aiming to reveal the broader network responsible for the fraud.
Authorities anticipate that this operation could result in additional revelations and arrests in the foreseeable future.
Notably, last month, the GST Intelligence team apprehended Ranchi-based businessmen Lav Agarwal and Gulbahar Malik in a separate but related case tied to the same scam network.
Earlier in March 2024, the Jamshedpur regional unit dismantled a GST fraud racket worth Rs 132 crore and arrested Shiv Kumar Deora, who orchestrated the multi-crore fraud by creating fake invoice bills under the names of fictitious companies.