GST Officials Impersonate ED, Extort Rs 1.5 Crore in Bengaluru

The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case against four arrested GST officials accused of extorting Rs 1.5 crore from a Bengaluru businessman by impersonating ED officers. The officials are being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against four Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials accused of extorting Rs 1.5 crore from a businessman in Bengaluru by pretending to be ED officers, according to official sources.

The case was registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following an FIR by the Bengaluru City Crime Branch. The accused allegedly conducted a fake raid, extorted the money through threats, and were arrested for kidnapping and extortion.

The officials, including a superintendent, inspector, and senior intelligence officer, face questioning once the ED gains custody. Their assets could be seized under anti-money laundering laws as the agency probes further.

(With inputs from agencies.)