CBI Arrests IRS Officer in Rs 45 Lakh Extortion Case Targeting La Pino’z Pizza Chain Owner

CBI Arrests IRS Officer : In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer posted in Delhi for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 45 lakh from the owner of the popular La Pino’z Pizza chain. The arrest comes after a middleman, reportedly acting on behalf of the officer, was caught red-handed while collecting the bribe in Mohali.

According to CBI officials, the IRS officer misused his official position to illegally access confidential GST filings and financial records of the pizza chain’s owner. Using this data, he allegedly plotted an extortion scheme, threatening the businessman with legal action and potential raids if the bribe was not paid.

The businessman, who owns the La Pino’z Pizza franchise based in Zirakpur, reported the matter to the CBI. In response, the agency launched a trap operation. The middleman, who had travelled from Mumbai to Mohali to collect the first installment of Rs 25 lakh, was apprehended at the IRS officer’s residence.

Soon after, the officer was arrested from Delhi. Both accused will be presented before a duty magistrate on Sunday for remand. During the follow-up investigation, CBI teams conducted searches at multiple premises linked to the IRS officer, including his residence in Mohali. A substantial amount of gold, silver jewellery, and cash were recovered.

The case has exposed how individuals in positions of power may misuse their authority for personal gains. Officials stated that the arrested officer used intimidation tactics and leveraged sensitive financial data to harass and blackmail the businessman.

Sources within the CBI suggest that this may not be an isolated incident, and further arrests or revelations could be expected as the investigation progresses. The CBI is currently examining whether similar tactics were used against other entrepreneurs by the accused.

La Pino’z Pizza, which started its journey in Chandigarh, has rapidly expanded to become one of India’s leading pizza chains with over 600 outlets across the country as of May 2024. The incident has raised concerns over the safety and privacy of sensitive financial data and the potential misuse by corrupt officials.

This arrest marks a major step in cracking down on corruption within the system and serves as a strong message that abuse of power will not be tolerated. The CBI has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and justice for all, especially those targeted by corrupt practices.