A Central GST inspector posted in New Delhi has been named as an accused in a massive Rs100-crore GST tax evasion racket unearthed by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), officials said on Sunday. The case has exposed alleged collusion between tax officials and a network of shell firms.
The accused, Inspector Mohit Agrawal, is currently absconding. STF officials said he allegedly provided departmental protection and manipulated official records in exchange for bribes. Multiple teams have been deployed to trace and arrest him.
The case, registered at Kavi Nagar police station in Ghaziabad district, pertains to large-scale GST fraud carried out through bogus firms, fake e-way bills and forged invoices. On Friday, the STF arrested four accused — Hardeep Singh alias Prince, a scrap dealer based in New Delhi, along with Jitendra Jha, Punit Agrawal and Shivam Singh.
Investigators alleged that the syndicate floated several shell companies and generated fake e-way bills to illegally claim input tax credit, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly Rs100 crore to the government exchequer.
During the investigation, evidence emerged indicating that Inspector Agrawal actively assisted the operation. STF officials said he allegedly accepted bribes to restore suspended firms, shield fake entities from scrutiny and manipulate departmental records.
One such firm, Adon Automobile, allegedly linked to accused Punit Agrawal, was suspended around three months ago but later restored following Inspector Agrawal’s intervention. Investigators claim he accepted Rs40,000 for facilitating the restoration.
The STF also 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 allegedly reveal discussions related to bribery payments and record manipulation. Officials said the evidence suggests the involvement of more individuals, and further arrests are likely as the probe expands across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.
