Confidential GST Filings Sold in Black Market: FinMin directs CBIC for Urgent Investigation
The investigation was based on the letter received to the finance minister from the Surat Chartered Accountants Association (CAAS)
The Finance Ministry announced an urgent investigation into allegations of a massive leak of Goods and Services Tax (GST) data in response to reports that private taxpayer data is being illegally sold on the black market. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has been directed to launch an immediate investigation following representations from the Chartered...
The Finance Ministry announced an urgent investigation into allegations of a massive leak of Goods and Services Tax (GST) data in response to reports that private taxpayer data is being illegally sold on the black market.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has been directed to launch an immediate investigation following representations from the Chartered Accountants Association, which described the breach as a “massive scam.”
According to sources, the operation appears to be run by a group calling itself “Data Solution,” with its main activities traced to Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
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Earlier this week, the Finance Minister received a letter from the Surat Chartered Accountants Association (CAAS) alerting him to the scam. According to the submissions, a package-based system was being used to illegally sell sensitive taxpayer data, such as GSTR-1, GSTR-2B, GSTR-3B, and e-Way Bills, with prices varying from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 depending on the level of information.
According to reports, basic GSTR-1 data was offered for ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, while three-month bundles of more extensive products that included buyer-supplier details, transaction histories, and HSN codes cost up to ₹25,000. Leaked WhatsApp conversations between brokers and clients that demonstrate the availability of both standard and bespoke data packages are among the evidence examined by the association.
The leak's nature raises the possibility of insider involvement that is from the department itself, who has access to these data. The Center has responded by starting a high-level investigation to find the source of the problem.
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