Revenue evasion detected at online retailer Alpha e Shop

Directorate of Audit, Intelligence and Investigation has initially detected VAT evasion by online shop  Alpha e Shop.

Two preventive teams of the Directorate detected the evasion during the raids in two showrooms of the company on yesterday, a NBR press release today said.

After examining the seized documents, the VAT authorities initially estimated the revenue evasion of around Taka two crore. The company has verbally agreed to pay the evaded revenue, the press release said.

The directorate had earlier conducted a field-level survey to identify VAT evasion by businesses operating on online platforms.
As part of the initiative, several online businesses, including Alpha e Shop were brought under investigation.

Alpha e Shop imports and sells various expensive branded fans, decorative fans, lighting products, chandeliers, electronics, air conditioners and televisions, besides purchasing and selling products locally.

The company also provides complete office and home interior design services through its own interior design team.

The company uses Facebook and other social media platforms to attract customers and sells products through advertisements featuring social media influencers, similar to practices followed by apparel brands.

During the raids, the VAT intelligence teams seized commercial documents related to the company's purchase and sales activities from its two showrooms.

Further examination of the collected documents is underway, and legal action will be taken in accordance with the relevant laws, the NBR said.