Maharashtra GST Department Arrests Mumbai Businessman for ₹192.45 Crore Fake ITC Scam
Maharashtra GST Department Arrests Mumbai Businessman for ₹192.45 Crore Fake ITC Scam
The Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department has arrested a Mumbai-based businessman for allegedly availing fake input tax credit (ITC) worth ₹192.45 crore, thereby committing massive tax evasion.
The accused, identified as Chintan Kiritbhai Shah (38), a resident of Byculla (East), Mumbai, was arrested for fraudulently claiming ITC without actual supply of goods or services. This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into tax evasion cases involving M/s Heavy Engineering Products and M/s A.K. International Engineering.
According to officials, Shah is the proprietor of M/s Heavy Engineering Products and also handles daily operations of M/s A.K. International Engineering, a firm registered under his wife’s name. Both firms are accused of generating fake invoices to claim illegal input tax credit amounting to ₹192.45 crore, violating provisions of the Central and Maharashtra GST Act, 2017.
Shah was produced before the Judicial Magistrate at Esplanade Court, which has remanded him to judicial custody till July 31, 2025.
This operation was carried out under the guidance of Assistant Commissioner of State Tax (D-0315) Ramesh U. Avghade, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax (D-0313) Nitinchandra G. Patil, and the State Tax Inspector team of DC-E-0303 unit.
The Maharashtra GST Department has reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against taxpayers involved in fake ITC scams and tax evasion. Officials have urged all registered taxpayers to adhere strictly to GST laws and avoid any fraudulent practices, warning that stern action will continue against those engaging in bogus transactions.
