The Commercial Taxes Department in Bengaluru has revealed a significant fake invoice racket that resulted in an estimated ₹410 crore in tax evasion. The main accused, Tauqeer alias Mohammed, aged 42, is alleged to have established a network of shell companies across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to generate fake tax invoices without the actual movement of goods. The scam reportedly involved fraudulent claims for input tax credits under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), amounting to ₹102.5 crore. Investigators found that the accused created multiple fake firms using forged documents and bogus addresses, which allowed them to obtain GST registrations. These entities issued invoices for non-existent transactions, primarily involving construction materials like cement and steel rods. The investigation also uncovered that several bank accounts were opened under different names to facilitate the routing of fraudulent proceeds. Authorities noted a pattern where companies were quickly shut down following tax notices, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade taxes. The enforcement wing is actively pursuing further leads, and additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.