Ahmedabad: Officials of the Central GST Gandhinagar Commissionerate have arrested Pratik Patel, owner of Modasa-based Metro Wire Industries, in connection with a major case of Input Tax Credit (ITC) claim fraud amounting to Rs 17.5 crore. Patel has been sent to judicial custody following his arrest.

According to officials, Metro Wire Industries had been under investigation for a long time. The probe revealed that Patel allegedly floated several bogus firms in the names of his family members and close associates. These entities reportedly issued fake invoices without any actual movement or supply of goods, enabling the accused to fraudulently avail GST ITC.

Investigators have identified around 10 to 15 fake firms, including Royal Industries, Khush Industries, Royal Steel Industries, and Bhagyoday Enterprises, which were allegedly created to show paper transactions and claim ITC worth crores of rupees.

Based on substantial evidence, Central GST officials arrested Patel and produced him before a court in Modasa, which remanded him to judicial custody. Officials said the fraud amount could exceed Rs 20 crore as the investigation progresses. A detailed inquiry into the case is currently underway. DeshGujarat