The Nagpur Crime Branch has dismantled a large-scale fake GST bill fraud amounting to over Rs150 crore, with the arrest of five individuals linked to the scheme. However, several members of the gang remain at large.
Among those arrested are Santosh “Bunty” Rampal Sahu (52), his brother Jayesh Rampal Sahu (36), Brijkishor Ramniwas Maniyar (59), Rishi Hitesh Lakhani (21), and Anand Vinod Harde (33). Avinash Sahu, Rajesh Sahu, and Anshul Mishra are among those still absconding.
The gang orchestrated the operation by creating over 70 fake shell companies, using the identities of unsuspecting poor individuals. These companies were then used to generate fake GST bills, thereby cheating the government and causing a financial loss.
One of the victims, Biswajit Roy, who came from West Bengal to Nagpur for work, was duped into providing his Aadhaar and PAN cards. The fraudsters used his identity to set up a fake company, Kshitij Enterprises, and generated fake bills worth Rs96.39 crore in just three months. When Roy attempted to protest, he was threatened by the gang.
In a similar tactic, they used Roy’s friend’s identity to set up Avadh Enterprise, generating an additional Rs59.51 crore in fraudulent GST bills.
The gang’s criminal activities extended beyond GST fraud. They were involved in online gambling, illegal hawala money transfers, and cricket betting, withdrawing large sums of money every day. In some instances, they managed to withdraw cash with the help of complicit bank officials who turned a blind eye to the rules.
The main masterminds of the operation are believed to be Bunty Sahu and Brijkishor Maniyar. Bunty Sahu, with a criminal record, was previously involved in stealing scrap. Maniyar, who worked as a GST consultant, played a crucial role in facilitating the fake bills operation. Anshul Mishra is another key figure, closely linked with Maniyar in running the fraudulent business.
The investigation began after Biswajit Roy filed a formal complaint. The police registered a case at Lakadganj Police Station, and the Crime Branch has continued its efforts to capture the absconding members of the gang.
Earlier, Lokmat Times reported the scam, but no significant action was taken at that time.
