KOCHI: Tax evasion of crores was found in the GST raids conducted focusing on the make-up artists of celebrities, including movie stars. The inspection named 'Operation Guapo' was carried out by the intelligence and enforcement wing of the state Goods and Services Tax department at the houses and establishments of makeup artists. According to officials, it was found that several makeup artists had evaded tax by not registering under GST and by understating their income.

The GST department had received information that celebrity make-up artists were evading taxes on a large scale. The inspections were carried out after collecting information at the state level. Inspections were carried out in 23 establishments in Kochi alone. Most of these establishments did not have GST registration. It is reported that inspections were carried out in 35 establishments across the state. A top official of GST Intelligence told Kerala Kaumudi that the preliminary assessment showed fraud of crores had taken place.