**Finance Ministry Orders Inquiry into Wintrack Inc’s Allegations of Corruption and Harassment Against Chennai Customs**
*New Delhi:* The Finance Ministry announced on Thursday that the Department of Revenue (DoR) has been instructed to conduct a fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry following allegations of corruption and harassment made by Wintrack Inc (Chennai) against Chennai Customs. The matter is being treated with utmost seriousness.
In a post on X, the Finance Ministry stated that the Government is committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law and continues to focus on enhancing the ease of doing business.
Wintrack Inc had on Wednesday declared that it would “cease import/export activities in India” from October 1, citing relentless harassment by Chennai Customs officials over the past 45 days.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) responded on Wednesday, stating that the issue relates to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. The CBIC also mentioned that Chennai Customs has already responded on this aspect and that necessary legal action will be taken.
In its latest post on X, the Finance Ministry confirmed that the Government has taken cognizance of the issue raised by M/s Wintrack Inc (Chennai). A senior DoR officer has been deputed to conduct a detailed factual inquiry, including hearing the concerned parties and officials, and thoroughly examining all relevant documentary evidence.
The Ministry highlighted that in recent years, the Government has implemented several taxpayer-friendly initiatives such as the adoption of the Taxpayer Charter, the introduction of faceless customs procedures, and the establishment of appellate bodies for dispute resolution. These measures aim to enhance transparency and promote ease of doing business.
“The matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness, and the Government is committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law. It is reiterated that the Government is committed to enhancing ease of doing business,” the Finance Ministry added.
### Wintrack Inc’s Allegations
Wintrack Inc alleged that Chennai Customs retaliated after their bribery practices were exposed twice this year. In a post on X, the company stated:
> “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. We deeply thank everyone who has supported us during these difficult times.”
In another post, Wintrack Inc’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, shared a video outlining the sequence of events leading to their closure. He urged people to unite against corruption on Gandhi Jayanti:
> “I will stay alive, I will survive, never give up. On this Gandhi Jayanti, let’s all join together to reduce, abolish corrupt hands. I have lost my health, got stress, still little left.”
### Founder’s Account of Events
In the video, Ganeshan recounted incidents starting in January when, after refusing to pay an alleged bribe on a shipment, he recorded a call with an agent and shared it publicly. The shipment was eventually released, and the issue was resolved. He even thanked the customs officials at that time.
However, Ganeshan claimed that problems resurfaced between May and August with escalating bribe demands leading to repeated delays or holds on shipments. He alleged abusive language and continual obstacles related to his consignments.
Even when attempting imports through a new company registered in his wife’s name, similar demands and delays persisted.
He concluded with a firm stance:
> “I decided I’m no longer going to do business in India in the form of importer, exporter, anything… I just appeal to all importers and exporters, if each one of you also raises your voice against this kind of bribery and corruption, then only can everything be abolished.”
### CBIC’s Response
On Wednesday night, the CBIC responded to Wintrack Inc’s allegations, tagging the Finance Ministry and the office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The CBIC stated:
> “Regarding the allegations of corruption against Chennai Customs raised by @PrawinGaneshan on Twitter, it is clarified that the issue pertains to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. Chennai Customs has already responded on this aspect. Subsequently, the importer has shared certain names and screenshots on Twitter. The matter has been noted, and all facts will be duly examined. Necessary action, as warranted under the law, will be taken.”
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*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/finance-ministry-orders-fact-based-inquiry-after-wintrack-inc-alleges-corruption-harassment-by-chennai-customs
