DGGI Ahmedabad used open source intelligence to expose ₹1.4 billion tax evasion by an online gaming firm, uncovering hidden financial networks and foreign links.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Ahmedabad zonal unit, has detected a suspected ₹1.4 billion tax evasion linked to clandestine supply of online money gaming services.
The probe was initiated based on inputs from DGGI headquarters and its Gandhidham regional unit. Investigators analysed the company’s bank accounts and payment gateway transactions. Crucially, open source intelligence (OSINT) tools were deployed to identify key persons involved, leading to coordinated search operations.
On August 25–26, searches were carried out at six locations in Delhi, including the company’s principal place of business and the residences of its executives. Officials confirmed that incriminating evidence was retrieved and statements of key persons recorded, establishing the evasion. The firm had allegedly failed to disclose its supply of online money gaming services in its GST returns.
Financial action followed, with the company making a voluntary payment of ₹106 million. Investigators also attached 36 bank accounts of the company and its associated entities, which were used to route funds.
A follow-up search at a travel and hotel ticket booking company revealed it acted as the ultimate beneficiary, facilitating siphoning of funds abroad. Preliminary findings further suggest that Chinese nationals operating from Singapore and China colluded with certain Indian nationals in the scheme.
Officials stated, “Incriminating evidence was retrieved and statements of key persons recorded, which confirmed the evasion.” They added, “Preliminary findings suggest that Chinese nationals operating from Singapore and China are involved in collusion with certain Indian nationals.”
No arrests have been made yet, and investigations are ongoing. The case underscores how open source intelligence tools are becoming central to financial fraud and tax evasion investigations, helping authorities trace complex cross-border networks.
