AiRS Arrests 3 Illegal Collectors, Warns Traders Against Paying Without Digital Receipt

AiRS chairman showing fake receipts used by illegal revenue collectors in Anambra

The Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue (AiRS) has arrested three individuals involved in sabotaging the state’s economy by forging official receipts to collect revenue from markets.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, cautioned citizens not to pay anyone who cannot provide a digital receipt.

Dr. Ezeilo explained that AiRS had launched a large-scale digital transformation, beginning with transport operators, including riders and Keke drivers.

He said that as the automation process nears completion for transporters, the initiative is now being extended to the markets.

Two weeks after the rollout of the revenue automation system in the markets, the Board uncovered widespread illegal collections involving counterfeit receipts.

Dr. Ezeilo described the findings as “mind-boggling,” revealing a large number of fake receipts being used to collect unauthorized funds under the name of Anambra State.

“Some individuals are undermining the state’s revenue collection system by issuing counterfeit receipts on behalf of the government,”

“Revenue receipts should only be issued from a central point by our authorized agents.”he explained.

He further explained that under the new system, agents are issued tokens, which they sell to traders. Once the tokens are used up, the machines stop working. For instance, if 1,000 tokens are issued, each worth 1,000 naira, the machine will cease to dispense receipts once all tokens are exhausted.

“If an agent sells all the tokens, the machine stops, and the vendor cannot issue more receipts. If they try to sell to another person, the device will not work. If an agent or vendor attempts to collect payment without a digital receipt, and AiRS agents conduct an inspection to find that the payer’s name is not in the system, it means the payment has not been made,”

“This exposes both the vendor and the taxpayer to potential legal challenges.”Dr. Ezeilo explained.

He strongly warned taxpayers not to pay anyone who cannot provide an electronic receipt, as doing so would be considered tax evasion, with serious legal consequences.

“If tax collectors approach you and cannot input your name into the device, you will face severe repercussions,” he added.

Dr. Ezeilo confirmed that some suspects had already been arrested this month, and investigations are ongoing.

“We are committed to tracing where these counterfeit receipts are being printed, identifying the machines involved, and holding those responsible accountable. We will shut down the printing company and take the matter to court,” “All accomplices will face legal action.”he said.

The AiRS Chairman also revealed that some individuals have been impersonating AiRS agents, illegally collecting money from the public.

“These people are not authorized by the state. They are non-state actors who print fake government receipts and extort money from the public. The sums of money they have illegally collected from traders are staggering,”

“We are fully committed to rooting out this scam. Anyone caught in this fraud will be arrested.”he said.

Dr. Ezeilo further addressed concerns about protected individuals, stating firmly, “We do not have demi-gods in this office. We will pursue the sponsors of these illegal activities, and they will face the full force of the law. We have already shut down the White House in Onitsha twice, and we will continue to enforce the law.”

He also revealed that the Board had seized counterfeit receipts worth over half a million naira from these scammers.

“Some of these individuals have likely built multiple-story buildings from their illicit activities. This scam has been ongoing since 2021, and it continues into 2025,” he added.

Dr. Ezeilo concluded by reaffirming the Board’s commitment to completing the full implementation of the electronic system.

He urged traders, “If anyone approaches you for payment, you must first ask to see the device. If no device is present, do not pay. We are in the digital age, not the paper age.”

He also assured that AiRS would conduct raids in some of the markets in Onitsha to end the illegal practices and ensure full compliance with the law.