The Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) has arrested Sammy Dhiman of Mandi Gobindgarh, who had been evading capture for the past five years. He is accused of orchestrating a massive Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud that caused a loss of ₹25 crore.
The fraud scheme in question was a well-organised and intricate operation that involved the use of fictitious firms and fraudulent invoices. It is alleged that Dhiman and his associates systematically carried out this GST fraud by creating counterfeit invoices on behalf of non-existent businesses. These forged invoices were then sold to legitimate firms in Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana. This fraudulent activity had a devastating impact on the state’s finances, with the estimated loss amounting to ₹25 crore, as reported by the VB in a press release.
The case dates back to July 5, 2018, when an FIR was filed at the Mandi Gobindgarh police station in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The charges against Sammy Dhiman and his associates include violations of Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 132(1) of the Central GST Act, 2017. These sections pertain to fraud, conspiracy, and offences related to GST compliance.
The investigation into this complex case was handled by the Vigilance Bureau Flying Squad-1 in Mohali. After five years of evasion, Dhiman has been apprehended and presented in court. He has subsequently been remanded into police custody for a period of two days.
The arrest of Sammy Dhiman serves as a significant step in addressing the issue of GST fraud in the region. It highlights the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible for financial crimes to justice and recover lost revenue for the state exchequer. The case also underscores the importance of vigilance and stringent measures in preventing and combating financial fraud in the country.
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