The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has arrested Sajid Ahmed Sheikh, a practicing lawyer from Solapur, for allegedly masterminding a Rs100 crore fake GST invoice scam.
According to investigators, Sheikh orchestrated a complex scheme by creating a network of 30 fake companies using forged documents. These shell firms were used to generate fake invoices for non-existent transactions, with the sole intent of illegally claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the GST framework.
The breakthrough came after a raid at Sheikh’s office in Solapur, where officials seized several electronic devices, including his computer and mobile phone. Forensic analysis of the devices provided strong digital evidence, leading to his arrest.
Sheikh has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days and is currently lodged in Kalamba Central Jail.
The DGGI has now widened the scope of its investigation to cover 12 additional suspected fake companies. Authorities suspect the scam may involve other individuals, including traders, jewellers, and real estate developers who may have collaborated with Sheikh to benefit from fraudulent ITC claims.
The investigation is ongoing as the agency aims to dismantle the wider network and hold all involved parties accountable.
