Chennai Customs Officers Accused of Corruption, Finance Ministry Assigns Revenue Department to Investigate
Corruption Inquiry: The Revenue Department will now investigate Vintrack Inc.'s allegations of corruption against Chennai Customs officers. The Finance Ministry stated that senior officials have been appointed to conduct an impartial and transparent investigation. Vintrack Inc. had announced its closure, alleging bribery and harassment. The government has taken this matter seriously and assured appropriate action. The CBIC has also stated that a thorough investigation of the facts and legal action will be taken.
Corruption Inquiry: Serious allegations of corruption have been leveled against Chennai Customs officers. Import company Vintrack Inc. claims that Chennai Customs officers harassed and demanded bribes, forcing the company to close its business. The company made the matter public by posting on the social media platform 'X' on October 1.
Company Founder's Revelation
Vintrack Inc. founder Praveen Ganeshan also released a video on 'X'. In it, he recounted events from January 2025 to the present and alleged that his imported goods were detained by Chennai Customs officials. Ganesan stated that his goods were released only after he paid the bribe demanded by the officials, causing him significant losses and ultimately forcing him to close his business.
From October 1, 2025, our company will cease import/export activities in India.
— WINTRACK INC (@wintrackinc) October 1, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/PmGib8srmM
Finance Ministry Action
The Ministry of Finance has taken immediate action, taking cognizance of the allegations made by Vintrack Inc. The Ministry stated that a senior Revenue Department official has been appointed to conduct an impartial, transparent, and fact-based investigation into the matter. The Ministry clarified that statements will be taken from all parties and evidence, including documents, will be thoroughly examined.
Finance Ministry's Official Statement
The Ministry of Finance posted on social media, "A senior Revenue Department official has been assigned the responsibility to conduct a detailed factual investigation of the matter, hear the views of the parties and officials concerned, and review all relevant documents. The government is taking this matter extremely seriously and is committed to taking appropriate and prompt action in accordance with the law."
The Government has taken cognizance of the matter raised by M/s Wintrack Inc (Chennai). (@wintrackinc).
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) October 2, 2025
The Department of Revenue (DoR) @FinMinIndia has been asked to undertake a fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry into the present issue.
A Senior Officer from DoR has…
Government Reform Efforts
The Ministry also reiterated that in recent years, the government has taken several steps to make customs procedures transparent and promote ease of doing business. These include the adoption of a Taxpayer Charter, a faceless customs system (where taxpayers and officials do not come face-to-face), and the establishment of appellate bodies for dispute resolution.
CBIC's Response
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the regulatory body of the Customs Department, has also responded to the matter. The CBIC stated on social media that the matter involves misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. The agency also stated that all facts will be duly investigated and necessary action will be taken as per the law.
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.
— CBIC (@cbic_india) October 1, 2025
Subsequently, the importer…
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