Unemployed Muzaffarnagar youth becomes victim of Rs 250 crore GST billing fraud

Sep 04, 2024

Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 4 : An unemployed youth from Muzaffarnagar found himself entangled in a massive fraud involving GST e-way billing transactions worth approximately Rs 250 crore. This shocking case came to light when officials from the GST department visited the youth's home to inform him about the fraudulent activities linked to his name.
Ashwani Kumar, a resident of Barsu village in the Ratanpuri police station area, received a job offer through a WhatsApp message a few days ago. Eager for employment, Ashwani sent the requested documents, including his home electricity bill and his father's Aadhaar card, to the unknown sender. He also transferred Rs 1,750 as part of the job application process. Unfortunately, Ashwani never received the promised job. Instead, his personal information was used to create a fake company and bank account.
According to senior officials, a fraudulent e-way billing scheme involving around Rs250 crore was executed using Ashwani's details. The fake company and bank account were used to generate fictitious e-way bills, which are typically used for the transport of goods and services under GST regulations.
Police Superintendent Aditya Bansal provided further details about the case. "This amount has not been credited to anyone's account," he said. The SP further elaborated, "Ashwani Kumar was lured with a job offer, and his documents were used to set up a fake company and bank account. Through these, fake e-way billing worth about Rs250 crore was generated."
Ashwani Kumar also shared his ordeal. "I got a call on WhatsApp offering a job, and I was given some forms that included my home's electricity bill and my father's Aadhaar card. They also took Rs 1,750 from me. Now, I am told that a company is operating in my name, which I know nothing about. The GST department has informed me that a firm is running in my name, and a complaint has been lodged with the police. They have recorded the calls and messages I received, but there is no GST number or any related electricity bill."
Police Superintendent Aditya Bansal also mentioned that the GST department is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the case and take legal action..