Cargo Firm Shuts Down Indian Operations Alleging ₹2 Lakh Bribe Demand by Chennai Customs Officials

Wintrack Logistics (India) Pvt. Ltd., a small cargo and logistics company based in Chennai, has announced that it is halting all its import-export operations in India. The company claims this drastic step was forced by demand for a bribe by Chennai Customs officials.

According to a social media post by the company, officials asked for Rs. 2.1 lakh to release one of its shipments. The shipment in question was valued at Rs. 6.25 lakh, the company said. Wintrack claims that customs authorities held the goods for 45 days in retaliation for earlier whistleblowing. The company says it has evidence, including names of officials and screenshots of conversations.

Wintrack handles services like customs clearance, bonded storage, and express cargo transport, among others. It was incorporated in April 2022 in Chennai, with an authorized and paid-up capital of Rs. 15 lakh. The company lists services in air freight, sea transport, and bonded warehouse solutions.

In its post, Wintrack stated that customs officials objected to charging cables included with the product kits and flagged misclassification of goods. It also alleged that the items had built-in batteries and required a certificate under India’s Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, which the company says it was unable or not permitted to provide in time.

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Chennai Customs responded by calling Wintrack’s allegations “false” and “misleading.” Officials claimed the firm had violated several rules like misclassifying goods, failing to declare certain components, and not submitting required certificates.

They said they granted the company a hearing on September 8 and allowed it to move goods to a bonded warehouse on September 11 to prevent extra storage fees. They also stated that a related company had attempted similar imports with the same problems, which raised suspicion.

At the national level, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has said it will review the evidence submitted by Wintrack and act if necessary.

The episode has drawn public attention. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai called it “tax terrorism,” and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said such cases harm India’s reputation for ease of doing business.

Some experts warned that small firms often lack the means to fight bureaucratic hurdles. Others cautioned that businesses must carefully follow all import rules and clearances to avoid being trapped in legal or procedural disputes.

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