Assam Police's STF Nabs Key Figure in Nationwide GST Fraud Scheme
Major Arrest in GST Fraud Investigation
STF, Assam arresting accused from Kolkata, West Bengal, in connection with two GST/ITC fraud cases. (Photo: @STFAssam/X)
Guwahati, Aug 7: The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has apprehended a key suspect involved in a nationwide GST fraud and fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) scheme from Kolkata, marking the total arrests in this case at 12.
The individual, Vinit Kumar Poddar, was detained in Kolkata and subsequently transported to Guwahati under transit remand on Wednesday night.
According to STF officials, Poddar's arrest was made possible through leads uncovered during the ongoing investigations into various GST and ITC fraud cases reported this year.
Senior Superintendent of Police (STF) Pranab Kumar Pegu stated that two distinct cases related to GST and ITC fraud have been registered, one in June and another in July, prompting continuous operations against those implicated.
"Since June 2026, we have been actively pursuing fraudulent GST and ITC claimants. In June, we apprehended eight suspects, and based on the investigation's findings, we captured one of the masterminds, Vinit Kumar Poddar, in Kolkata," Pegu explained.
The STF suspects that this fraudulent operation spanned multiple states, utilizing fake GST registrations and bogus ITC claims. Pegu mentioned that additional suspects have been identified and are currently under observation.
"There are more individuals involved in this case, and it is a nationwide operation. We are tracking several more suspects," he added.
As part of the ongoing investigation, coordinated raids and searches were executed in Kolkata, resulting in the seizure of mobile phones, SIM cards, and various documents.
This latest arrest follows the apprehension of Vivek Kumar Gupta from Kolkata and Surajit Barman from Assam's Baksa district, who were also linked to the same investigation. Their capture came after a four-day manhunt and they are believed to be associated with a fake ITC syndicate involving previously arrested individuals, including Rishikesh Kalita, the owner of the allegedly fraudulent firm Saibya Traders.
Pegu noted that the arrests of Gupta and Barman provided further insights, enabling investigators to identify more members of the network and locate Poddar.
With Poddar's detention, the total number of individuals arrested by STF Assam in connection with the fraudulent GST and ITC investigations has reached 12.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated as they continue to pursue other suspects believed to be part of this extensive nationwide racket.