GST account hacked, fake bills worth Rs 183 cr generated: Pvt firm | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based plywood and hardware firm has alleged that cyber fraudsters hijacked its GST account, generated 730 fake invoices and unauthorised e-Way bills worth over ₹183 crore, and attempted to fraudulently claim around ₹30 crore in input tax credit (ITC), prompting an investigation by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB).A representative of the firm lodged a complaint with the TGCSB, alleging that unknown persons gained unauthorised access to the company’s GST account, potentially causing a massive loss to the govt.The owner of the plywood and hardware business in Hayathnagar said the fraud came to light when the firm‘s accountant was unable to access the GST portal, with the system repeatedly displaying an invalid credentials error.Upon further verification, the firm found that the GST account’s registered mobile number and email address had been changed on July 23 without its knowledge. The account password had also been altered, effectively locking out the authorised users.“I immediately approached the office of the assistant commissioner of state tax, Nagole circle, at Nampally requesting that the account be suspended and login credentials restored. Tax officials responded immediately, verified my GSTIN account and changed the login credentials. They also started investigation on generation of fake invoices and unauthorised e-Way bills,” the complainant told police.According to the complaint, the fraudulent activity was aimed at illegally claiming ITC. The complainant also submitted a list of 72 suspected companies that could potentially attempt to claim ITC worth ₹30 crore on the basis of the allegedly fake invoices.Based on the complaint, police on Thursday registered a case under sections 318(4) (cheating), 319(2) (cheating by personation) and 338 (forgery) of the BNS, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. “We are trying to identify and locate the fraudsters based on the phone numbers and company addresses used,” a TGCSB official said.
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