India Targets 400 Binance Traders in Major Tax Evasion Investigation

TLDR

Indian authorities investigate 400 Binance traders for crypto tax evasion.
Traders face up to 42.7% tax on profits from crypto trades in India.
Binance resumed India operations in 2024 after a $2.25M penalty.
Investigation targets P2P payments settled through domestic bank accounts.

Indian tax authorities have launched a major investigation into over 400 high-net-worth individuals suspected of evading taxes through crypto trading on Binance. This probe spans multiple years, from 2022 to 2025, focusing on significant tax evasion schemes involving one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The investigation is gaining momentum as authorities seek to ensure proper tax compliance within India’s booming crypto market.

Investigation Overview

The investigation, initiated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), is targeting individuals who have made significant profits from trading on Binance. The focus is on trades conducted between 2022 and 2025, with authorities tracking both direct and indirect tax evasion methods. According to reports from local sources, tax departments in various cities have been asked to submit updates on their findings by October 17, 2025.

Binance, one of the largest global crypto exchanges, was banned in India at the end of 2023 due to accusations from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regarding its non-compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

However, Binance resumed operations in August 2024 after paying a $2.25 million penalty and registering as a “reporting entity” with the FIU. This registration now plays a key role in enabling authorities to investigate tax evasion activities linked to the exchange.

Crypto Taxation in India

India imposes a stringent tax regime on cryptocurrency transactions. Crypto traders are required to pay a 1% withholding tax on each transaction, which is credited against their final tax bill. Additionally, profits from crypto trades are subject to a 30% tax, with surcharges and a 4% cess that can push the effective rate up to approximately 42.7% for high-income individuals.

These high tax rates have led to concerns over tax evasion, particularly among wealthy traders. Tax authorities are now focusing on these high-net-worth individuals, suspecting that they may have employed strategies to hide their crypto gains and avoid paying the full tax amount. The investigation aims to uncover these tactics and ensure that traders comply with the country’s tax laws.

Binance’s Role in the Probe

Binance’s registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit in August 2024 has been pivotal in providing the Indian government with necessary data to conduct its investigation. Following this registration, Binance was obligated to share information related to suspected tax evaders, allowing Indian authorities to track activities more effectively.

The investigation also includes the examination of peer-to-peer (P2P) payments made through Binance, some of which were settled via domestic bank accounts or platforms like Google Pay. Though Binance has since stopped facilitating certain types of P2P transactions, these past activities are now under scrutiny.

Indian authorities are closely examining whether Binance traders used domestic payment methods to conceal the true nature of their transactions and evade taxes. The role of Binance’s platform in facilitating such transactions has come under greater scrutiny, as the tax authorities attempt to track the flow of funds and identify potential violations of tax laws.

Broader Implications for Crypto Traders

The Indian government’s increasing efforts to regulate cryptocurrency trading and enforce tax compliance reflect a broader global trend. As governments around the world strengthen their scrutiny of digital assets, traders are under more pressure than ever to follow legal and financial protocols. With Indian tax authorities targeting high-net-worth Binance traders, it is clear that the country is serious about enforcing its crypto tax policies.

For individuals involved in crypto trading in India, this serves as a strong reminder to ensure full compliance with tax regulations. Non-compliance could result in hefty penalties and legal consequences. As the investigation continues, Indian authorities are likely to expand their scrutiny of other crypto exchanges and trading platforms.

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