In a dramatic escalation of tensions between businesses and India’s customs authorities, Chennai-based logistics firm Wintrack Inc announced on October 1, 2025, that it would cease all import-export operations in India. The company attributed its shutdown to relentless harassment, arbitrary delays, and demands for bribes by Chennai Customs officials.
The announcement was shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and quickly went viral, sparking a nationwide outrage. Hundreds of traders, importers, and citizens have since shared their own distressing experiences, revealing widespread issues of corruption and systemic bureaucratic hurdles. The issue has now drawn the attention of the government, prompting the Finance Ministry to initiate a formal inquiry, signalling the seriousness of the allegations.
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
Public Outcry and Viral Reactions
Post-remarkably viral, Wintrack’s public accusation has ignited a flood of testimonials across social media. Dozens of importers and small traders have taken to platforms to expose similar allegations of bribery, intimidation, and unjust delays at multiple ports across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi. From stories of demands for 10-50% of shipment values in bribes to threats of indefinite shipment holds, the shared narratives paint a grim picture of entrenched corruption.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the Wintrack-Chennai Customs controversy as “truly dismaying,” stating that corruption remains rampant across the system. He added that most companies comply with such demands as part of the “price of doing business” but emphasised, “It doesn’t have to be this way if the country is to grow and prosper.”
Several users have posted receipts, recordings, and personal anecdotes, turning social media into a digital arena of protest and demand for accountability. The widespread outrage suggests that Wintrack’s case is symptomatic of deeper issues within India’s trade ecosystem.
When I Officially Donated My Juicer to Indian Customs 🧃🇮🇳
— Karnvir Mundrey (@karnvirmundrey) October 6, 2025
After 2 months, hundreds of emails, calls, and messages, and even a Twitter campaign (link in the image), I had finally accepted defeat.
My FedEx package — Air Waybill No. 286514862273 — a humble juicer blender worth…
My Story with Indian Customs 🛃:
— Defence Brat (@DefenceBrat) October 4, 2025
ऐसा कोई सगा नहीं, जिसे हमने ठगा नहीं ! – @cbic_india
Back in 2018, I developed mild sarcoidosis and stepping out during the daytime became impossible due to extreme light sensitivity. Normal sunglasses didn’t help; they only block UV. The only… pic.twitter.com/pVbPUWnunx
Customs Authorities’ Denial and Clarifications
In response, Chennai Customs issued a detailed rebuttal, denying any involvement in corruption or harassment. They attributed the delays and issues to violations such as misclassification of goods and missing environmental compliance certificates.
Customs claimed that the shipment of personal massagers was incorrectly declared and that illicit items such as USB charging cables were involved, citing procedural violations under the Customs Act. Officials insisted that no bribes were sought or accepted and accused Wintrack of misrepresenting facts to tarnish their reputation. These claims have been echoed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, which assured an ongoing investigation to examine compliance violations, while asserting that procedural fairness would be maintained.
The Union Finance Ministry has taken the allegations seriously, ordering a fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry led by a senior Department of Revenue officer to thoroughly investigate Wintrack’s claims, hear all parties involved, and examine relevant evidence, while reiterating its commitment to expeditious legal action and enhancing ease of doing business.
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…
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe this controversy highlights an urgent need for systemic reform within India’s trade and customs ecosystem. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of fair trade, and allegations of widespread bribery threaten to undermine businesses and erode public trust. It is crucial that investigations are impartial and thorough, ensuring those involved in corruption are held accountable.
Simultaneously, structural reforms should focus on digitising processes, establishing clear criteria for classification, and creating safe channels for grievances. The government must hear the voices of ordinary traders who are burdened by extortion and delay, and work towards a fairer, corruption-free system.
Sequence of Events Leading to Our Closure
— WINTRACK INC (@wintrackinc) October 2, 2025
I will stay alive,i will survive,never give up 🙏🏻
On this Gandhi Jayanthi,Lets all join together to reduce,abolish corrupt hands
I have lost my health,got stress,still little left#wintrackinc #prawinganeshan #GandhiJayanthi… pic.twitter.com/NXJiMwEHLS
