The Finance Ministry has directed the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to initiate an urgent investigation into a potentially massive data leak involving confidential Goods and Services Tax (GST) filings and e-Way Bills, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The move comes after the Surat Chartered Accountants Association (CAAS) sent a formal representation to the Finance Minister earlier this week, describing the situation as a “massive scam” and urging swift action. The ministry, alarmed by the contents of the representation, has flagged the matter for immediate attention, and enforcement agencies are now actively involved in the probe.
According to sources, the scam is believed to be orchestrated by a group operating under the name “Data Solution,” with its core operations allegedly centered in Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida. The racket reportedly involved the black-market sale of sensitive taxpayer information, including GSTR-1, GSTR-2B, GSTR-3B, and e-Way Bill data.
Leaked documents reviewed by CAAS reportedly show that the data was being sold in packages ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the granularity of the information. Basic GSTR-1 details were allegedly priced between ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, while more detailed three-month bundles containing GSTR-2B, GSTR-3B, and e-Way Bill information were sold for around ₹15,000. Premium “deep-dive” data sets that included transaction histories, HSN codes, and buyer-supplier networks were allegedly sold for up to ₹25,000.
The representations also highlighted the availability of customized data packages, with leaked WhatsApp conversations between brokers and clients indicating the scale and sophistication of the operation. Some bundles were reportedly tailored to include “normal domestic data” or more advanced profiling based on specific client demands.
Experts warn that the fallout from this data breach could be significant, affecting not only taxpayer confidentiality but also business competitiveness. By accessing detailed tax filing data, unscrupulous traders may be replicating competitor operations, undermining market integrity and fair trade practices.
A senior official at the Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the matter is being taken “very seriously,” adding that the CBIC has been tasked with identifying the source of the breach and coordinating with enforcement agencies to dismantle the illegal network.
The incident has also intensified concerns about the security infrastructure of the GST Network (GSTN). Cybersecurity analysts argue that the breach underscores the urgent need for a full-scale security audit of the government’s tax data systems and enhanced monitoring protocols to prevent future compromises.
As investigations continue, both taxpayers and industry bodies are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management and protection of sensitive financial data.
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