The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids across 23 cities in Gujarat on Thursday as part of an investigation into a corruption case linked to alleged GST fraud. Over 100 officials participated in the operations, targeting locations in Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Veraval, Rajkot, Surat, and Kodinar.
Arrests Made, Including Journalist
Several arrests were made, including that of a prominent journalist from Gujarat, as the ED seeks to unravel the complexities of the case. This action follows recent arrests by the Ahmedabad Crime Detection Branch, which detained several individuals, including journalist Mahesh Langa, in connection with the ongoing GST fraud investigation.
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The ED has since registered a money laundering case to probe deeper into the matter.
Investigation Uncovers Extensive Fraud Network
Investigators have identified over 200 fraudulent firms across the country, allegedly created to evade taxes through the use of fake identities and documents. This money laundering investigation stems from an FIR filed by the Ahmedabad Police Crime Branch following a complaint from Central GST authorities.
Focus on Dhruvi Enterprise
Langa and seven others arrested after authorities uncover suspicious transactions link to shell companies register under the names of Langa’s wife and father, using forge documents. Following the initial FIR, Gujarat’s Crime Branch and the Economic Offences Wing intensified their efforts, conducting raids at 14 locations, including Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar.
Significant Financial Implications
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) had previously uncovered fraudulent billing practices associated with Dhruvi Enterprise, identified as a shell company. The DGGI’s investigation revealed that Dhruvi Enterprise obtained GST registration in March 2023 using a forged rental agreement.
This registration later cancel by the tax department, prompting a deeper inquiry into the firm’s activities.
Fraudulent Use of Identity
Dhruvi Enterprise is at the center of a GST fraud case estimate to involve Rs 50,000 crore. Crime branch officials note that the identity of Haresh Makwana, a daily wage worker from Gadhada in Bhavnagar, fraudulently use to establish the shell company.
