The Finance Ministry on Thursday announced that the Department of Revenue (DoR) has been instructed to conduct a fair, transparent, and fact-based investigation following allegations of “corruption and harassment” made by Chennai-based Wintrack Inc against Chennai Customs. The government stated that the matter is being treated “with utmost seriousness.”
Wintrack Inc had earlier declared that it would “cease import/export activities in India” from October 1, alleging that Chennai Customs officials had harassed the company for 45 days. The firm also claimed that retaliation followed after exposing alleged bribery practices twice earlier this year.
In a post on X, Wintrack founder Prawin Ganeshan said, “From October 1, 2025, our company will cease import/export activities in India. For the past 45 days, Chennai Customs officials have relentlessly harassed us. After exposing their bribery practices twice this year, they retaliated, effectively crippling our operations and destroying our business in India.”
The Finance Ministry confirmed that a senior DoR officer has been deputed to conduct a detailed inquiry, hearing all concerned parties and examining all relevant documents. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to “enhancing ease of doing business” and noted past reforms such as the Taxpayer Charter, faceless customs procedures, and appellate mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Ganeshan shared a video detailing the events leading to the company’s closure. He stated that problems began in January when he refused to pay an alleged bribe, recording the incident and sharing it publicly. Although the shipment was resolved then, Ganeshan alleged that between May and August, bribe demands escalated, consignments were delayed, and officials used abusive language. Attempts to continue imports through a company registered in his wife’s name reportedly faced similar obstacles.
“I decided I’m no longer going to do business in India in the form of importer, exporter, anything… I just appeal to all the importers and exporters, if each one of you also raise the voice against this kind of bribery corruption, then only everything can be abolished,” Ganeshan added.
Responding to the allegations, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) stated that the issues pertain to “misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer.” CBIC confirmed that Chennai Customs had already addressed the matter and that necessary legal action would be taken.
The Finance Ministry reiterated that the government is taking the issue seriously and is committed to expeditious and lawful action to ensure transparency and protect ease of doing business.
