Wintrack Inc to Exit India Amid Allegations of Corruption by Chennai Customs
Amid allegations of corruption levelled against Chennai Customs by Wintrack Inc, the Finance Ministry on Thursday said it has deputed a senior officer from the revenue department to conduct a detailed factual enquiry and thoroughly examine all relevant documentary evidence.
Background of the Issue
The finance ministry on Thursday, Oct. 2, ordered an enquiry to examine the harassment allegations against Chennai Customs by logistics firm Wintrack Inc. In a statement, the finance ministry said it has deputed a senior officer from the revenue department to conduct a detailed factual enquiry and thoroughly examine all relevant documentary evidence.
Wintrack Inc, which enables buyers to effortlessly shop from any China and Thailand e-commerce website and enjoy seamless doorstep delivery anywhere in India, announced the closing of its business in India on October 1, 2025, due to alleged harassment by Chennai customs officials and demand for bribes.
Allegations of Corruption and Harassment
Wintrack Inc took to social media to announce the closing of its business, stating that Chennai Customs officials had relentlessly harassed the company for the past 45 days. The company also alleged that the customs officials had demanded bribes and had crippled its operations after it exposed their bribery practices twice this year.
The company’s founder, Ganeshan, posted a video on social media detailing the sequence of events since January 2025 that led to his decision to close down the business. He said his shipments were held by Chennai customs and released only after the bribe asked by customs officials was paid.
Government Response
The finance ministry, in a post on social media, said that the government has taken cognizance of the matter raised by Wintrack Inc and the Department of Revenue has been asked to undertake a fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry into the present issue.
A senior officer from the Department of Revenue has been deputed to conduct a detailed factual enquiry, hearing the parties concerned, officials, and thoroughly examining all relevant documentary evidence, the ministry said. It added that the matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness, and the government is committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law.
Chennai Customs Response
The Chennai Customs, however, has denied the allegation of bribery from the logistics company and claimed that the accusation of harassment and non-cooperation were demonstrably false. The firm’s selective narrative was a deliberate tactic to pressure officials into releasing cargo without following due process, said Chennai Customs, responding to accusations.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) also posted on social media, clarifying that the issue pertains to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. ‘All facts will be duly examined. Necessary action, as warranted under the law, will be taken,’ the CBIC had tweeted.
Implications for Indian Investors and Traders
The exit of Wintrack Inc from India due to alleged corruption and harassment by Chennai Customs officials has raised concerns among Indian investors and traders. The incident highlights the need for a fair and transparent business environment in India, where companies can operate without fear of harassment and corruption.
Indian investors and traders can learn more about the import export business in India and the challenges faced by companies operating in the country. They can also learn how to start a logistics business in India and the regulations that govern the industry.
