A Tamil Nadu-based import firm's battle with Chennai Customs over alleged bribery has escalated into a full-blown controversy, with the founder claiming that he was forced to shut down operations over harassment.

Chennai Customs, via its social media handle, quickly denied the firm’s allegations, replying with a detailed counter that accused the firm of misclassifying goods.

This was met with the firm’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, naming specific customs officials to further his allegations, forcing the central customs board to take “note” of the issue and say that an examination of the matter would be conducted.

advertisement

The controversy came into limelight on the social media platform X where Wintrack Inc, a Chennai-based import company, accused Chennai Customs of systemic corruption, saying that constant demands for bribes had forced it to shut down its operations.

Wintrack’s allegations drew reactions from prominent figures and triggered official rebuttals from customs authorities.

Chennai Customs categorically denied the bribery allegations, asserting that the importer’s shipments were subject to “misdeclaration and misclassification” and that all procedures, hearings, bonds and demurrage mitigations were conducted in strict compliance with the law. As their official statement put it:

Chennai Customs have mentioned the company's claims as "false," "calculated," and "a deliberate tactic to pressure officials."

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) framed the dispute as a technical compliance issue, and said, “The allegations relate to misdeclaration and misclassification. Chennai Customs has already responded. All facts will be examined and necessary action will be taken as warranted by law.

While the founder of Wintrack has accused Chennai Customs of “relentless harassment” and systemic bribery demands.

COMPANY AT THE CENTRE

Wintrack Inc operates as a logistics company that helps customers import products from platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, Lazada, and Shoppee Thailand.

The company's Twitter bio describes it as delivering these orders in India "with lea