Fake GST network busted in Azamgarh; 3 arrested

Varanasi: Azamgarh police on Sunday busted an organised network of fake GST billing and tax evasion, causing revenue loss of Rs. 4.08 crore to state exchequer by creating fake GST bills through bogus firms.

Police arrested three accused for illegally obtaining ITC benefits by registering bogus firms through forged documents, fake rent agreements and misuse of Aadhaar-PAN cards. The three arrested were sent to jail. On the basis of an application received on Jul 8, 2025, a case under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 338, 336(3), 340(2) BNS was registered against Anand Gupta, resident of Barabanki district, at Sidhari police station in Azamgarh district.

The allegation was that fake GST bills and e-way bills were prepared by registering fake firms through forged documents and that govt revenue was dealt heavy loss by illegally obtaining Input Tax Credit.

During investigation, it came to light that the accused persons used to obtain Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and OTPs and prepare fake rent agreements and on thereby registered bogus firms, through which GST bills and e-way bills were prepared by showing fake purchase and sale.

On Sunday, police arrested wanted accused including Anand Gupta, Vinay Gupta, both residents of Barabanki district, and Mohammad Kaif, resident of Moradabad district. During interrogation, Anand Gupta said a firm was registered in his name, while accused Vinay Gupta admitted that he used to provide Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and OTPs of various persons. Kaif admitted that, together with his other associates, he used to register fake firms, prepare fake GST bills and e-way bills and provide illegal ITC benefits to real firms by showing fake purchase-sale. The money earned from this illegal activity was shared among the gang members.