KAMPALA: Indian Tycoon Convicted over Tax Fraud

By Our Reporter

NATIONAL

An Indian tycoon and 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬, located in Bugolobi, Nakawa Division in Kampala City has been convicted over VAT Fraud worth Shs8.6Billion.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢 was convicted on his own plea of guilt.

While appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala on Friday, 22^nd March, 2024, Mr. Bheriyani pleaded guilty to EIGHT (08) counts of making false statements to a tax officer.

According to prosecution, these tax crimes were committed mainly between December/2021 and June/2022 where he made fictitious purchases and filed false monthly VAT returns

B𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢 pleaded guilty before Senior principal Grade One Magistrate, Abert Asiimwe on Friday 22^nd March, 2024.

URA’s Legal Officer, Davis Lomuria informed court that Bheriyani had entered a plea bargain with prosecution and agreed to pay Shs395 million in taxes and fined Shs48M or face one year imprisonment.

Asiimwe said if Bheriyani had gone through the full trial, he would have been fined Shs110million. The businessman has Supermarkets in Bugolobi, in Nakawa Division, Kampala city.