Dhaka, Sept 9 (V7N) – The Directorate of Audit, Intelligence and Investigation has initially detected VAT evasion of around Taka 2 crore by online shop Alpha e Shop, according to an NBR press release issued today.
Two preventive teams of the Directorate detected the evasion during raids on two showrooms of the company on Tuesday. After examining the seized documents, VAT authorities made the initial estimate of revenue evasion. The company has verbally agreed to pay the evaded revenue, the press release said.
### Background and Modus Operandi
The directorate had earlier conducted a field-level survey to identify VAT evasion by businesses operating on online platforms, bringing several online businesses, including Alpha e Shop, 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.
### Ongoing Crackdown on Online Businesses
The action against Alpha e Shop is part of the NBR's broader initiative to bring e-commerce platforms under proper VAT regulations. In July 2026, the VAT intelligence unit identified Tk 1.25 crore in VAT evasion by an online clothing retailer, and in June 2026, Tk 3.2 crore in VAT evasion by an online electronics retailer. The NBR has been working to expand the tax net and ensure compliance among online businesses, which have grown rapidly in recent years. The government has also simplified VAT registration and return filing processes through digital platforms to encourage compliance and increase revenue collection.
