
The Noida police have made significant progress in their investigation into a multi-crore GST scam. On Wednesday, they arrested a Delhi-based businessman, Sanjay Dhingra, along with his wife Kanika and son Mayank. The police apprehended them near the DND toll plaza, aided by a team from Noida Sector 20 police station. In addition to the arrests, the police also seized several high-end vehicles, including Mercedes and Audi cars, and various other items belonging to the Dhingra family.
Details of the GST Scam
The Dhingra family, who are residents of the Punjabi Bagh area in Delhi, own businesses with assets amounting to hundreds of crores. Unfortunately, they were involved in fraudulent activities that led to a substantial loss for the government. By falsifying documents and claiming input tax credits on behalf of nine bogus companies, the family managed to dupe the government of approximately Rs 68 crore. Their fraudulent activities continued for several years, undetected until now.
Evading Arrest and Changing Hotels
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shakti Mohan Avasthy, the accused evaded arrest for the past nine months. They frequently changed hotels in an attempt to avoid being traced and apprehended. However, the police were eventually successful in locating and arresting them.
Revenue Loss and Bogus Companies
The Dhingra family’s scam resulted in a significant revenue loss for the exchequer. The fraudulent activities came to light in 2023 when criminals used the PAN details of a journalist to register bogus companies. While two of these companies were successfully registered in Punjab and Maharashtra, the authorities rejected the registration request for a third company in Delhi.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
The police have made considerable progress in their investigation into the GST scam. They have identified the involvement of hundreds of bogus firms and transactions amounting to around Rs 10,000 crore. So far, a total of 41 individuals have been arrested in connection with the probe.
Legal Action Taken
An FIR (First Information Report) has been lodged at the Sector 20 police station in Noida, and the accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. In February, the Noida police also seized assets worth approximately Rs 12 crore belonging to gang members involved in the GST scam. These assets included immovable properties located at multiple locations in Delhi.