The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has named a Central GST inspector, Mohit Agrawal as an accused in a massive Rs. 100-crore GST tax evasion scam, exposing alleged collusion between tax officials and an organised network of shell companies. The case has sent shockwaves through enforcement agencies, highlighting serious lapses in internal oversight.
According to STF officials, Mohit Agrawal, a Central GST inspector currently posted in New Delhi, has been accused of actively facilitating tax evasion by providing departmental protection to fraudulent entities in exchange for bribes. Agrawal is presently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
Deep-Rooted GST Fraud Uncovered
The case, registered in Ghaziabad district, pertains to large-scale GST fraud involving the creation of bogus firms, generation of fake e-way bills, and issuance of forged invoices to illegally claim input tax credit (ITC). Investigators estimate that the scam caused a loss of nearly ₹100 crore to the government exchequer.
STF officials stated that evidence collected during the probe revealed that Inspector Agrawal allegedly aided the syndicate by manipulating official records, shielding fake entities from scrutiny, and facilitating the restoration of suspended firms.
Arrests and Accused Network
The STF arrested four accused on Friday, including:
- Hardeep Singh, a New Delhi-based scrap dealer operating under the alias “Prince”
- Jitendra Jha
- Punit Agrawal
- Shivam Singh
Investigators alleged that the group floated multiple shell companies and generated fraudulent e-way bills to claim ineligible ITC, forming a well-coordinated syndicate.
Alleged Bribery and Manipulation
One of the shell firms, Adon Automobile, allegedly linked to accused Punit Agrawal, had been suspended around three months ago. However, STF officials claim that the firm was restored following Inspector Agrawal’s intervention, allegedly after he accepted a bribe of ₹40,000.
The STF further alleged that bribes were routinely paid to restore suspended firms, suppress investigations, and prevent scrutiny of fake entities.
Digital Evidence Strengthens Case
Investigators highlighted the role of Alok, a Haryana-based facilitator, who allegedly supplied fake firms to Hardeep Singh in exchange for lump-sum commissions. WhatsApp chats recovered from Punit Agrawal’s mobile phone reportedly contain detailed discussions on payments, manipulation of records, and coordination with officials, significantly strengthening the case against the accused GST inspector.
Investigation Ongoing
STF officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely as the probe deepens into the nexus between fraudulent businessmen and corrupt officials. Authorities are also examining the involvement of other government functionaries and possible links to similar GST frauds across states.
Read More: Single FIR is Enough for Mass Frauds: SC Sets Aside Order Requiring Thousands of Separate Cases
