In its October 2024 newsletter, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) updates on significant actions across various fronts. CBIC actively participated in the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters, organizing 580 cleanliness drives and repurposing office spaces, including a new cafeteria and creche at the CGST Faridabad office. In a notable anti-drug operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 19 kg of methamphetamine at the Indo-Myanmar border, valued at Rs. 19 crore, and arrested four individuals. In another operation at Delhi IGI Airport, officers seized 15.046 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs. 15.04 crore, smuggled via an international passenger from Bangkok to Paris. Additionally, CBIC cracked down on fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) schemes, particularly in the iron and scrap sector. The Ludhiana Zonal Unit of DGGI arrested five individuals involved in Rs. 700 crore worth of fake invoices and Rs. 193 crore in fraudulent ITC, with swift action taken to ensure justice. These operations reflect CBIC’s ongoing efforts in national security, public service, and the enforcement of tax compliance.
CBIC Chairman’s Weekly Newsletter – 21st October, 2024
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
21st October, 2024
DO No. 43/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024
Dear Colleague,
In the continuum of social responsibility, the concept of service has been revered as a pathway to both personal growth and societal advancement. The idea of “seva” or selfless service, calls upon each individual to act not for personal gain but for the collective well-being. In the context of public service, it is this spirit of seva that should guide our endeavours, reminding us that the role we play is far greater than the tasks we perform.
In this vein, CBIC is actively participating in the ongoing Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 4.0. So far, around 580 cleanliness campaign events have been successfully organized across various locations, targeting both office spaces and public areas. Another key focus has been the disposal of old or unused office equipment and scrap materials which has resulted in the freeing up of office space. Building on this initiative, the CGST Faridabad Commissionerate transformed two abandoned rooms, previously filled with old records and used furniture, into a cafeteria and a creche within the office premises. The creche, lovingly named `Mukesh’ in memory of Shri Mukesh Kumar, IRS (C&IT) 2014 officer, who tragically lost his life during the COVID-19 pandemic, was inaugurated in the presence of his parents, adding a personal and heartfelt dimension to this reclamation of office space.
Committed to the Government’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat and continuing its fight against the drug menace in the country, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 19 kgs of methamphetamine tablets, purportedly smuggled from the Indo-Myanmar border and estimated to be valued at over Rs 19 crore in the international illicit market in two separate operations in Aizawl and Guwahati. Four persons have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act in this regard. A laudable effort in cross-border vigilance!
Based on specific information received by officers at Delhi IGI Airport, the baggage of one international transit passenger travelling from Bangkok to Paris via Delhi was brought to the scanning machine. On scanning the checked-in bag, the officers noticed/detected some narcotic substances which was also indicated by the on-duty dog of Customs K9. The opening of bags led to the seizure of 15.046 kg of greenish-brown substance that was found to be hydroponic weed valued at Rs. 15.04 crore. Excellent detection!
On the GST front, the Ludhiana Zonal Unit of DGGI has cracked down on fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) in the iron and scrap sector. In a span of just eight days, five individuals were arrested across three separate cases. Among them were two brothers who masterminded the creation and circulation of fake invoices amounting to Rs. 700 crore, involving Rs. 107 crore in fraudulent ITC through 27 bogus GSTINs. In one case, a manufacturing unit run by a father-son duo was found to have utilized fake ITC worth Rs. 56 crore while in another case, the owner of a manufacturing unit was apprehended for availing fake ITC amounting to Rs. 30 crore. The total GST involved in these cases stands at Rs. 193 crore. The swift and decisive action taken by the officers is commendable, and it is imperative that these investigations are concluded in a time-bound manner to bring the offenders to justice.
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
