CBI Arrests CGST Superintendent in Mumbai while Accepting ₹5 Lakh Bribe

Moneylife Digital Team 24 December 2025

Economy & Nation

Central bureau of investigation (CBI) has arrested a superintendent of central goods and services tax (CGST), audit-I in Mumbai, while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh from a private company.

According to a CBI release, the arrest was made on 22 December 2025, after the agency laid a trap following a written complaint from the director of a private company. The complaint alleged that the CGST superintendent had demanded illegal gratification in connection with an audit conducted by him.

The accused officer had carried out an audit of the complainant’s company on 26 November 2025. During the audit process, he allegedly threatened to fabricate a tax demand of ₹98 lakh against the company and demanded a bribe of ₹20 lakh to 'settle' the matter, the agency says.

Following negotiations, the bribe amount was allegedly reduced to ₹17 lakh, with the understanding that the officer would lower the projected tax liability of the company. The accused reportedly demanded an initial payment of ₹5 lakh, which was to be delivered on 22 December 2025.

Acting on the complaint, CBI registered a case on the same day and laid a trap. The accused superintendent was caught red-handed while accepting the ₹5 lakh bribe, described as part payment of the agreed illegal gratification.

Subsequent searches conducted at the residence of the accused in Mumbai led to the recovery of unaccounted and unexplained cash amounting to ₹18.30 lakh. During the search, investigators also found documents relating to the purchase of two immovable properties—one valued at ₹40.31 lakh purchased in April 2025 and another valued at ₹32.10 lakh purchased in June 2024.

CBI also carried out searches at the office premises of the accused CGST superintendent, during which digital evidence related to the audit report being prepared for the complainant’s company was seized.

Officials say the investigation is continuing to ascertain the full extent of the alleged corruption, including the source of the unaccounted assets and the role of any other individuals involved.

The accused is expected to be produced before a competent court and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the ongoing probe, the agency added.

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