Kochi: A dozen movie actors in Kerala are facing probe on suspicion of tax evasion to the tune of crores of rupees. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), an investigation arm of the indirect tax department, has launched a probe against them.

The district intelligence wing (Ernakulam) has also initiated steps to prosecute an actor who had allegedly evaded Rs 3 crore in tax. Others have been issued notices, asking them to remit the tax.

The department launched the probe after producers complained that they could not file tax returns after deducting Goods and Services Tax (GST) on time since the actors, who charge a hefty sum, did not pay the GST on time.

According to the GST Act, those drawing more than Rs 20 lakh annually from the film industry are required to pay the tax.

The department took the remuneration paid to actors from producers between 2017 and 2021, and checked the bank accounts of the actors before initiating action against them. The scrutiny of bank accounts unearthed the multi-crore tax evasion.

The current probe has been confined to those who had evaded tax continuously, and legal action was initiated against the 12 actors, who failed in paying the tax despite being issued notices.

One of the actors had acted in 25 movies and took advance payment for 15 other films during the probe period, and ignored the notice that cited the GST dues.

Prosecution process was initiated after the actor bought six swanky cars.