An Indian breeder’s far-fetched assertion of selling an elusive ‘wolfdog’ for a whopping ₹500 million has put him in the taxman’s sights, with officials now untangling what is proving to be a textbook case of social media fraud and falsification of documents.
The breeder, who taunted online the sale of high-value animal to a foreign investor, allegedly exploited viral posts and organized photoshoots to promote the animal as having exotic descent. But upon investigation by authorities, glaring gaps in documents and no valid trail of transaction could be found to justify the immense valuation.
In accord with sources close to the inquiry, the strategy of the breeder was all about creating an affluent online identity, forging pedigree documents, and tempting high-end clients by wrongly placing the animal under international demand. The plan worked—until tax authorities began smelling around.
The case has not only triggered a tax fraud case but also ignited fears of unscreened animal trade promotions on social media. Authorities have pledged tougher regulations and called for people to be vigilant against over-exaggerated claims in the thriving pet trade.
