140 masterminds suspected of duping the government out of Rs 1.98 trillion were apprehended by the GST intelligence unit last year, according to an announcement made on Thursday by finance ministry sources. In 2023, DGGI found that substantial GST was evaded by medium and large firms in various sectors including online gaming, casinos, insurance, and secondment (import of manpower services).
“DGGI has recorded the increase in detection of cases related to evasion and voluntary repayments,” said a statement issued by the Ministry.
2017 was a good year because compared to 203 wherein, cases detected were of duty valued at Rs 62,498 crore and voluntarily paid worth Rs 55. There is also an arrest case for making mint without registering imported goods to be under investigation as only one suspect has been arrested with the charge, whereas in that particular incident, DRI had lodged.
The ministry said DGGI detected a 119 percent year-on-year increase in the amount of duty evasion, and additional voluntary payments jumped by 26 percent.
Regarding the detection of fraudulent claims about fake ITC, it was revealed by the ministry that DGGI has taken special measures against those involved in such illegality for checking drainage in government revenue. 2,335 cases of ITC fraud with Rs rs 21078 crore were found without any voluntary payment only. 1 state said that it arrested as many as 16 masterminds to curb the vice of false invoicing.
2023 marked a major boost compared to 2022, wherein the total amount of Rs 14,471 crore and voluntary payment was made of rupees thousand sixty-four were received after detection cases that occurred rising in the previous year. 82 masterminds were arrested.
The ministry said, “During the year 2023 DGGI, which is considered to be the premier investigating agency for GST matters continued its relentless pursuit check evasion of GST across the country; Non-compliance in these sectors not only pose threat to fiscal stability but their implications such as potential social and financial security also economical onset appears.”