The Ministry of Finance has initiated an investigation into allegations of harassment and corruption levied by Wintrack Inc., a Tamil Nadu-based import company, against Chennai Customs officials. The company claims it was subjected to undue delays and demands for bribes, leading to its decision to cease operations in India.In response to these serious allegations, the Finance Ministry has directed the Department of Revenue (DoR) to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. A senior officer from the DoR has been assigned to examine all relevant documents, interview involved parties, and ensure a fact-based investigation. The ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency and expeditious action in accordance with the law .
Wintrack’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, posted a detailed video outlining the company’s grievances, dating back to January 2025. He alleges that Chennai Customs withheld shipments and released them only after bribe demands were met. The company also claims to have faced retaliation after exposing alleged bribery, leading to severe impacts on its business operations .
Chennai Customs has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “serious and false.” The department asserts that Wintrack’s goods were misclassified during examination, a mistake the company reportedly acknowledged. It also points out that Wintrack submitted incorrect documentation and made legally untenable claims regarding exemptions, which were rejected. Furthermore, Chennai Customs alleges that the company attempted to intimidate senior officers during official proceedings .
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has also weighed in, stating that the matter pertains to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. The CBIC has assured that all facts will be duly examined and necessary action will be taken as warranted under the law .
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by the government to address concerns related to transparency and accountability within customs operations, ensuring a fair environment for businesses operating in India.