Police have detected a new racket where some people were apprehended for making bogus companies and claiming VAT returns from the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority.

Director Economic Crime, SSP Arjun Singh has confirmed to Village News that so far three people have been charged in relation to the alleged offence while others have been identified and will be arrested soon.

It is alleged that those people who were arrested claimed thousands of dollars from FIRCA in VAT returns. Some people were given cheques while other applications were in the process of being processed when the alleged racket was discovered.

SSP Singh told Village News this afternoon, that some FIRCA staff have also been charged with fraud related offences and have been bailed to appear in court later.

SSP Arjun Singh said that they are working closely with FIRCA to arrest those who are involved in the scam.