Dhaka, Sept. 16 -- The VAT Intelligence and Investigation Directorate has detected an alleged revenue evasion of around Tk 72.5 crore by Virgo Tobacco Ltd through the production and marketing of cigarettes using used and counterfeit stamps or banderols.

A preventive team of the directorate conducted a surprise raid on the company's factory at Kaultia in Gazipur on September 2 based on information received from a confidential source, says an NBR press release.

Two teams simultaneously raided the cigarette factory and a nearby warehouse. When the teams arrived, the factory gate was locked from outside despite production allegedly continuing inside.

After repeated requests to open the gate received no response, the VAT intelligence offici...