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The Finance Ministry has flagged concerns to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to initiate an urgent investigation into complaints of an alleged massive data leak scandal involving the sale of confidential GST filings and e-Way Bills
The representations claim that the scam, which has sent shockwaves across trade and tax circles, appears to be orchestrated by a gang operating under the name "Data Solution", with Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida emerging as its operational hubs.
According to sources who are privy to the development, "the representations say that confidential taxpayer data—including GSTR-1, GSTR-2B, GSTR-3B, and e-Way Bills—was being illegally sold in the black market in a package-based system, with rates ranging from Rs.5,000 to Rs.25,000 depending on the level of detail required."
The representations add that the illegal sale of three-month and six-month data bundles was enabling unscrupulous traders to replicate the operations of competitors, undermining fair trade and business ethics, sources added.
Experts say the incident could have far-reaching consequences for business competitiveness and tax compliance.
A senior official in the Ministry, who requested anonymity, said “The matter has been taken very seriously. The CBIC has been asked to coordinate with enforcement agencies to investigate the source of the leaks and shut down the racket.”
The incident has also renewed scrutiny on the cybersecurity framework of the GST Network (GSTN). Analysts say this breach underscores the need for a comprehensive audit of government data systems.
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