Wintrack Halts Trade, Raises Corruption Allegations
Wintrack Inc, a Chennai-based trading firm, has shocked markets by announcing it will cease all import-export operations in India. The company claims it faced sustained harassment from Chennai Customs officials after publicly exposing alleged bribery.
In a post on X, Wintrack said: “For the past 45 days, Chennai Customs officials have relentlessly harassed us.” The firm also declared it would shut operations from October 1, citing retaliation after exposing corruption.
The company’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, named specific officials allegedly involved in demanding bribes, including claims of a ₹2.10 lakh bribe paid for clearance.
I had personally met Group 5 AC Mr PV Sudhakaran in New Customs House,and conveyed grievance that
Why ridiculous bribe is demanded on a new company and we had no other option to pay and release it to avoid demurrage and losses
Shipment was released upon total bribe of Rs… https://t.co/qUyTh4FJx4
— Prawin Ganeshan (@PrawinGaneshan) October 1, 2025
Pai Takes on Finance Minister
Reacting sharply to the scandal, former Infosys CFO and Aarin Capital chairman Mohandas Pai directed his criticism at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He accused her of failing to stamp out corruption in India’s ports and for allowing what he described as “tax terrorism.”
“Madame @nsitharaman this is not acceptable. You have failed to stamp out systemic corruption in our ports,” Pai wrote. He also referenced figures from her budget documents: “Rs 30 lakh crore stuck in tax disputes, 15 lakh crore said to be recoverable — ~80%+ in last 5 years!”
As per Chennai Customs- During an official meeting on 30.09.2025, the importer attempted to intimidate senior officers through threats of media exposure and self-harm when informed that due process must be followed. This conduct has been formally documented and reported.
And… pic.twitter.com/4MBta7MYkW
— Dr. (Prof.) Amrita Bhushan Rathore (@AmritaRathodBJP) October 1, 2025
He urged the minister to act: “15 lakh crore deemed non-recoverable — no assets, no assessee. Please act.” Pai also tagged Home Minister Amit Shah in his criticism.
Customs Denial, CBIC Response & Government Inquiry
Chennai Customs swiftly rejected Wintrack’s accusations as “false,” “calculated,” and a “deliberate tactic to pressure officials.” The department claimed misclassification of goods and failure of the importer to provide required compliance documents, such as EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) registration.
“The goods had built-in rechargeable batteries, hence EPR registration was mandatory,” Chennai Customs said, adding that Wintrack submitted “wrong documentation” and “untenable claims” for exemptions.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) clarified that the dispute “pertains to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer.”
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has ordered an inquiry. The Department of Revenue (DoR) has been asked to undertake a “fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry,” and a senior officer has been deputed to lead the probe.
Political Fallout & Broader Debate
The controversy has drawn reactions across political and business circles. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the status quo: “Corruption remains rampant across the system and most companies simply comply as part of the ‘price of doing business.’”
At the same time, Dr Amrita Bhushan Rathore, BJP Bihar’s Vice President, claimed that Wintrack’s founder tried to intimidate senior officers during a meeting on September 30. She said such conduct was documented.
The Wintrack founder responded by rejecting the official rebuttal and accusing the authorities of “cooking up stories” to evade accountability.
What Comes Next
The inquiry must verify whether the allegations of bribery, harassment, and abuse of power hold substance. Investigators will likely examine shipments, financial records, communications, and digital trails.
If proven, the case could trigger structural reforms in customs procedures, greater scrutiny of port operations, and stronger mechanisms to protect exporters and importers.
At this stage, both sides — Wintrack and Chennai Customs — stand firm. The debate has turned into a matter of institutional credibility. The DoR inquiry and public pressure may determine whether the controversy becomes a turning point in India’s fight against port corruption.
The Finance Ministry on Thursday initiated a formal enquiry into serious corruption allegations leveled by Chennai-based import-export firm Wintrack Inc against customs officials, ordering a senior Department of Revenue officer to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter
Thanks FM @nsitharaman @FinMinIndia for quick action. This is about corruption and bribery not any classification issue which are matters of fact and appealable.We need a bribe free hassle free system with better rules. https://t.co/UoYJK91oQD
— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) October 3, 2025