Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Finance Ministry Probes Customs Bribery Allegations
Wintrac Inc, an import/export company, said they stopped doing business in Chennai, India, because customs officials were harassing them and asking for bribes.
The company said they had exposed bribery practices earlier this year.
The government is now investigating these claims.
The Department of Revenue will conduct an inquiry into the matter.
The government aims for transparency and ease of doing business.
Wintrac Inc. ceased import/export activities in India on October 1, 2025.
The company cited harassment from Chennai Customs officials as the reason.
Wintrac Inc. had previously exposed bribery practices.
The Finance Ministry has ordered the Department of Revenue to conduct an inquiry.
The government is committed to enhancing ease of doing business.
- Who
- Wintrack Inc, Chennai Customs officials, Department of Revenue
- What
- Finance Ministry ordered inquiry into bribery allegations
- When
- October 1, 2025
- Where
- Chennai, India
- Why
- Wintrack Inc. alleged harassment and bribery demands.
Wintrac Inc
Chennai Customs
Allegations
Wintrac Inc
Claims of harassment and bribery demands.
Chennai Customs
No official stance from Chennai Customs was provided.
- Company
- Wintrack Inc.
- Location
- Chennai, India
- Issue
- Alleged harassment and bribery by Chennai Customs
- Action
- Wintrack Inc. stopped import/export operations
- Government Response
- Ordered a fact-based inquiry
- Probe Agency
- Department of Revenue
- Date of Action
- October 1, 2025
Sources
'You have failed to stop corruption': Mohandas Pai to Sitharaman after TN based firm cites bribery, halts operations
Chennai Customs refutes bribery charge; Wintrack founder replies: 'Paid Rs 2.10 lakh, have proof with names'
‘Failed to stop tax terrorism’: Mohandas Pai takes aim at Sitharam over ‘systemic corruption in ports’
'Misdeclaration, misclassification': CBIC responds after TN importer accuses Chennai Customs of Rs 2 lakh bribe
Wintrack, importer of personal massagers, quits India citing harassment and corruption at Chennai Customs; dept hits back
‘You Have Failed To Stamp Out Systemic Corruption’: Mohandas Pai Hits Out At Nirmala Sitharaman After Wintrack Inc Halts Operations Alleges 'Bribery'
Wintrack shuts down India operations, alleges harassment by Chennai Customs; officials deny charges
Explained | Wintrack’s bribe allegations put Indian ports in the dock — CBIC under fire, govt faces tough questions
'No babu could just walk in...': User claims IT creates wealth as it remains out of bureaucracy control in India
'Corruption won this battle': Cargo firm Wintrack to cease operations in India, accuses Chennai customs of harassment
Coimbatore company alleges harassment by Chennai Customs officials; department denies allegations
MoF Takes "Cognizance" Of Wintrack Inc's Complaint Against Chennai Customs Officials
Centre Orders Probe After Wintrack Halts India Operations Over Customs Harassment
‘Being dealt with utmost seriousness’: Centre orders probe into Wintrack’s allegations against Chennai customs
Wintrack vs Chennai customs dept: Finance ministry orders inquiry into bribery allegations
Govt orders fair probe as Wintrack exits India, accusing Chennai Customs of 'bribery, harassment'
Finmin asked Revenue Dept to undertake a fair inquiry into Wintrack matter
Finance ministry orders inquiry into Wintrack Inc allegations against Chennai customs
Wintrack alleges harassment by Chennai Customs; FinMin says Revenue dept to conduct enquiry
Finance ministry orders probe after trading firm threatens to stop operations
Finance Ministry orders detailed inquiry after Wintrac Inc alleged harassment by Customs officials