The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service has raised alarm over the activities of illegal tax collecting agents defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.
The agency also informed the general public of fake tax clearance certificates, fake licences, and number plates being floated in the state.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, September 13, in Kaduna, Comrade Jerry Adams, the executive chairman of the Agency noted that some of the fake agents have been arrested and will be prosecuted soon.
He said: “The attention of KADIRS has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous individuals and groups operating in various strategic locations across the state, falsely claiming to be empowered by the Service to collect taxes, levies, and fines.
“These individuals, who can best be described as criminals, have formed a coordinated cartel, deceiving unsuspecting members of the public and engaging in criminal activities that undermine the integrity of the state’s revenue collection process.
“We wish to categorically state that these individuals are not affiliated with KADIRS, and we have not authorized any person or group outside of our official channels to collect any form of levies or taxes on behalf of the Service.”
While advising residents to be vigilant and refrain from engaging with the impostors, he assured that KADIRS is fully committed to ending the menace and has already begun apprehending some of those involved.
“We are committed to fishing out the rest and their sponsors. We urge the public to report any suspicious activities or persons claiming to represent KADIRS without proper identification and authorization. It is crucial to note that all payments are made through the official KADIRS channels to avoid falling victim to these fraudsters.
“Furthermore, it has come to our notice that fake Tax Clearance Certificates, fake vehicle licenses, and plate numbers are being floated across the State in connivance with some staff of the Service. This criminal activity not only defrauds the state but also undermines the trust placed in our institution by the good people of Kaduna State.
“We are taking stringent measures to identify and deal with any staff involved in these illegal activities and their cohorts. We assure the public that any staff or other persons found to be aiding these criminals or participating in fraudulent practices will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
He then urged taxpayers to ensure that tax clearance applications and payments are done through proper channels.
(The Nation)
