The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 marked one of the most significant reforms in India’s taxation system. Before GST was implemented, businesses were required to comply with multiple indirect taxes such as value-added tax (VAT), service tax, excise duty, entry tax, and several other levies imposed by both the central and state governments. This complex tax structure created confusion, increased compliance costs, and made tax administration difficult for both taxpayers and authorities.
GST was introduced as a unified tax system designed to simplify indirect taxation in India. It replaced multiple taxes with a single framework and introduced digital systems for filing returns, maintaining invoices, and claiming tax credits. The primary objective of GST was to increase transparency, improve tax compliance, and reduce the cascading effect of taxes on goods and services.
However, while GST has simplified the taxation structure and improved transparency in many areas, it has also created opportunities for fraudulent activities. Some individuals and businesses attempt to exploit loopholes in the system to evade taxes or claim illegal financial benefits.
Over the past few years, authorities have uncovered several large-scale fraud networks involving fake GST invoices / bogus billing, shell companies, fraudulent Input Tax Credit claims, and fake GST registrations. These activities have resulted in significant losses to the government and have affected genuine businesses operating within the legal framework.
According to government data and various GST evasion India crore statistics, tax authorities have detected more than ₹8,100 crore worth of GST evasion across India. In addition to financial losses, authorities have also arrested more than 1,400 individuals involved in fraudulent tax schemes in recent years, including several GST fraud arrest cases in India in 2024 linked to large invoice rackets.
To tackle these issues, the government has implemented several reforms, including Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for GST registrations, mandatory e-invoicing for certain businesses, improved data analytics by the GST Network, and stricter enforcement actions through DGGI GST raid/investigation operations.
This comprehensive guide explains the different types of GST fraud in India, the scale of the problem, legal penalties under the CGST Act, recent fraud cases, and practical steps businesses can take to protect themselves.
Also Read: Indexation Benefit On LTCG Back
Overview
The table below summarises the key aspects of GST fraud in India, including the scale of the problem, major laws governing penalties, and the authorities responsible for investigation.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Topic | GST Frauds in India |
| GST Introduced | 1 July 2017 |
| Governing Law | Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 |
| Common Fraud Methods | Fake invoices, ITC fraud, shell companies, fake GST registration |
| Estimated Fraud Detected | ₹8,100 crore and above |
| Arrests Made | 1,400+ individuals |
| Major Investigating Authority | Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) |
| Important Legal Sections | Section 122 and Section 132 of the CGST Act |
| Prevention Measures | Aadhaar authentication, e-invoicing, GST fraud prevention, and AI monitoring |
| Reporting Method | GST portal or GST fraud helpline 1800-1200-232 |
This overview highlights the increasing scale of GST fraud and the government’s efforts to strengthen compliance mechanisms.
What Is GST Fraud? Definition And Key Characteristics
GST fraud refers to any deliberate attempt by individuals or businesses to evade tax payments or obtain illegal tax benefits by manipulating GST registrations, invoices, financial records, or transactions.
Under the GST system, businesses are required to pay tax on the goods and services they sell. However, they are also allowed to claim Input Tax Credit for taxes paid while purchasing goods or services used for business operations. This credit mechanism helps avoid double taxation and ensures that tax is applied only on the value added at each stage of production or distribution.
Although the ITC system is beneficial for businesses, it has also become one of the most commonly misused provisions. Fraudsters often create fake invoices or conduct fraudulent transactions to claim tax credits that they are not legally entitled to receive. Many such cases involve GST ITC fraud/input tax credit fraud, where fake suppliers or invoices are used to generate illegal tax credits.
Key Characteristics of GST Fraud
GST fraud often involves organised activities and coordinated networks of individuals or companies. Some of the most common characteristics include the following.
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Creation of fake GST invoice / bogus billing: Fraudsters generate invoices that show the sale or purchase of goods or services that never actually occurred. These invoices are later used to claim tax credits or inflate turnover.
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Claiming fraudulent Input Tax Credit: Businesses may claim ITC using fake invoices or transactions, resulting in major GST ITC fraud/input tax credit fraud schemes.
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Setting up shell companies for fake transactions: Fraud networks often create multiple companies that exist only on paper, leading to complex shell companies GST fraud cases.
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Using stolen or fake identity documents for GST registration: Some individuals register businesses under GST using stolen Aadhaar or PAN details.
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Filing fake export claims to obtain refunds: Exporters are eligible to claim refunds under GST, and some fraudsters misuse this provision through export refund scam GST schemes.
All these activities result in illegal financial benefits for fraudsters and cause significant losses to government revenue.
Also Read: GST Compensation Cess vs Health & Education Cess.
How Big Is the GST Fraud Problem? Key Statistics
GST fraud has become a serious concern for India’s tax administration due to the large financial losses involved. Investigative agencies regularly conduct audits, inspections, and enforcement actions to detect tax evasion networks.
The table below highlights the scale of GST fraud detected in recent years based on GST evasion India crore statistics reported by the authorities.
| Year | GST Fraud Detected | Arrests Made | Investigating Agency |
|---|
| 2021 | ₹5,500 crore | 400+ | DGGI |
| 2022 | ₹6,200 crore | 600+ | GST Intelligence |
| 2023 | ₹7,000 crore | 800+ | DGGI and State GST |
| 2024 | ₹8,100 crore | 1,400+ | Multi-agency task forces |
Key Observations
1. The majority of fraud cases involve fake GST invoices / bogus billing and misuse of the Input Tax Credit system. Many investigations have revealed large networks of shell companies and GST fraud operations that generate fake invoices to facilitate fraudulent tax claims.
2. Fraudulent ITC claims account for the largest share of tax losses because they directly reduce the tax liability of businesses involved in these schemes.
3. Authorities have also reported several GST fraud arrest cases India 2024 involving complex invoice networks and financial fraud operations.
Types Of GST Fraud in India
GST fraud can occur in several ways, depending on how fraudsters manipulate the tax system. Understanding these fraud types helps businesses identify suspicious activities and avoid legal complications.
Below are the most common types of GST fraud in India.
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Fake Invoice Fraud (Bogus Billing)
Fake invoice fraud is one of the most common forms of tax evasion in the GST system. In this type of fraud, businesses generate invoices for goods or services that were never actually supplied. This practice is commonly known as fake GST invoice / bogus billing.
These invoices are used to claim Input Tax Credit or to show a higher turnover for financial purposes.
How Fake Invoice Fraud Works
The process generally involves several stages.
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Creation of fake companies: Fraudsters register multiple companies under GST using fake or stolen documents.
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Generation of fake invoices: These companies create invoices showing transactions that never occurred, which forms the basis of GST ITC fraud / input tax credit fraud.
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Use of invoices to claim tax credit: Other businesses use these invoices to claim Input Tax Credit and reduce their tax liability.
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Closure or disappearance of companies: Once authorities launch a DGGI GST raid / investigation, these companies often shut down operations.
Authorities have uncovered several fake invoice rackets involving thousands of fake GST registrations.
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Fraudulent ITC (Input Tax Credit) Claims
Fraudulent Input Tax Credit claims represent another major category of GST fraud. Under GST rules, businesses can claim credit for taxes paid while purchasing goods or services.
However, some businesses exploit this system by claiming credit for transactions that never occurred, resulting in large-scale GST ITC fraud / input tax credit fraud schemes.
Common Methods Used in ITC Fraud
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Using fake invoices to claim tax credits: Businesses obtain invoices from shell companies and use them to claim ITC benefits.
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Claiming credit from non-existent suppliers: Some businesses claim ITC from suppliers who do not exist or whose GST registration has already been cancelled.
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Claiming ITC for ineligible goods or services: Certain expenses are not eligible for ITC under the GST law, but some businesses still claim tax credits for such purchases.
Due to the scale of ITC fraud, authorities now use automated systems to monitor suspicious tax credit claims. Authorities often block suspicious credits using Rule 86A ITC blocking to prevent further misuse.
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Shell Companies and Circular Trading
Shell companies are businesses that exist only on paper and have no real business operations. These companies are often used in shell companies and GST fraud schemes.
Many of these operations involve circular trading GST, where invoices move between several companies without the actual movement of goods.
- For example, Company A sells goods to Company B, Company B sells them to Company C, and Company C sells them back to Company A. In reality, the goods never move between these businesses, and the transactions exist only on invoices.
Authorities frequently detect such schemes during DGGI GST raid/investigation operations.
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Identity Theft and Fake GST Registration
Fraudsters sometimes register businesses under GST using stolen or fake identity documents. These registrations are later used to conduct fraudulent transactions.
Common methods used in identity theft fraud include using stolen Aadhaar details, creating fake identity documents, and registering businesses at false addresses.
To prevent such fraud, the government introduced Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and improved fake GSTIN verification systems.
Businesses should always perform fake GSTIN verification and learn how to verify GSTIN online before dealing with new suppliers.
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Export Refund Scams
Exporters under GST are eligible to claim refunds for taxes paid on exported goods or services. However, some fraudsters misuse this provision through export refund scam GST operations.
These scams often involve fake invoices, false shipping documents, and manipulated transaction records.
Authorities have detected several export refund scam GST cases involving large refund claims.
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Tax Rate Misclassification
Some businesses intentionally classify products under incorrect GST rates to reduce tax liability.
For example:
Authorities often detect such cases during GST audits and investigations.
Also Read: Centre Introduces Biometric ID To Fight GST Fraud In India
Legal Penalties for GST Fraud — Section 122 & Section 132 CGST Act
GST fraud is considered a serious offence under Indian law. The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act provides strict penalties and criminal prosecution for tax evasion.
The two most important legal provisions related to GST fraud are Section 122 CGST Act penalty and Section 132 CGST Act imprisonment.
1. Monetary Penalties (Section 122)
Under Section 122 CGST Act penalty, businesses involved in fraudulent activities may face financial penalties.
Key Penalties Under Section 122
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|
| Fake invoices | ₹10,000 or tax amount evaded |
| Fraudulent ITC claim | Equivalent to tax evaded |
| False GST registration | Monetary penalty + cancellation |
These penalties apply to both individuals and companies involved in fraudulent transactions.
2. Criminal Penalties and Imprisonment (Section 132)
Serious fraud cases may result in criminal prosecution under Section 132 CGST Act imprisonment provisions.
Imprisonment Based on Tax Evasion
| Amount of Tax Evasion | Imprisonment |
|---|
| Above ₹5 crore | Up to 5 years |
| ₹2–5 crore | Up to 3 years |
| ₹1–2 crore | Up to 1 year |
Courts may also impose additional fines along with imprisonment.
3. ITC Blocking Under Rule 86A
Rule 86A allows GST authorities to block suspicious Input Tax Credit in electronic credit ledgers.
Authorities use Rule 86A ITC blocking when they suspect fraud or fake invoices.
This rule prevents businesses from using questionable ITC until the investigation is completed.
Recent GST Fraud Cases in India (2022–2025)
Over the past few years, several high-profile GST fraud cases have been uncovered.
Notable Cases
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Delhi Fake Invoice Scam (2024)
Authorities detected a network generating fake invoices worth ₹3,000 crore. This case became one of the major GST fraud arrest cases India 2024.
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Maharashtra Circular Trading Case (2023)
Investigators detected ₹1,200 crore circular trading involving multiple companies.
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Tamil Nadu Export Refund Fraud (2022)
Fraudsters claimed fake export refunds worth ₹500 crore.
Most of these investigations were conducted by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).
Also Read: GST Hike On Used Cars: What It Means For Buyers And Businesses?
How the Government Is Fighting GST Fraud?
Authorities detected a network generating fake invoices worth ₹3,000 crore. This case became one of the major GST fraud arrest cases India 2024.
1. Aadhaar Biometric Authentication (National Rollout)
The GST Council has introduced pan-India Aadhaar biometric authentication for GST registrations.
Under this system:
This measure helps prevent fake GST registrations and identity theft.
2. E-Invoicing Mandate
The government has made e-invoicing mandatory for many businesses.
E-invoicing ensures that:
This system significantly improves GST fraud prevention.
3. GSTN AI & Data Analytics
The GST Network (GSTN) now uses artificial intelligence and big data analytics to detect suspicious transactions.
The system analyses:
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ITC claims.
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Invoice patterns.
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Taxpayer behaviour.
This helps authorities identify potential fraud networks quickly.
4. Special Investigation Teams and DGGI Raids
The government has strengthened enforcement through special investigation units and DGGI raids.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) regularly conducts nationwide operations against fraud networks.
How to Identify GST Fraud — Warning Signs for Businesses
Businesses must stay vigilant to avoid unknowingly participating in fraudulent transactions.
Warning Signs of GST Fraud
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The supplier has no physical office.
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GSTIN shows frequent cancellations.
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Unusually large tax credits offered.
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Payments are requested in cash only.
Businesses should always verify GSTIN details before conducting transactions.
How to Report GST Fraud in India (Step-by-Step)
Knowing how to report GST fraud helps authorities prevent tax evasion and protect legitimate businesses.
Follow these steps to report suspicious activities.
Step 1: Collect information about the suspected fraud.
Step 2: Visit the official GST portal.
Step 3: Submit a complaint with relevant details.
Step 4: Provide documents such as invoices or GSTIN numbers.
Step 5: You may also report fraud using the GST fraud helpline 1800-1200-232.
You can also report fraud via the GST fraud helpline 1800-1200-232.
Also Read: GST 2.0 In India: Reforms, New Tax Structure & Impact On Consumers.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves from GST Fraud
Businesses can adopt several preventive measures to avoid involvement in tax fraud.
Best Practices for Businesses
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Always verify GSTIN online before transactions.
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Maintain accurate financial records.
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Avoid dealing with unknown or suspicious vendors.
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Use digital invoices and payment systems.
These measures help businesses maintain compliance and reduce legal risks.
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