The founder of Wintrack Inc., Prawin Ganeshan, is standing firm in the face of what he describes as "relentless harassment" by Chennai Customs officials, a situation that led to the company ceasing its import/export operations in India on October 1, 2025. Wintrack, a logistics company based in Tamil Nadu that facilitates shopping from Chinese and Thai e-commerce sites , alleges that this harassment is a direct result of the company exposing bribery practices within the customs department.
Ganeshan has taken to social media to voice his concerns and share his experiences, recounting incidents dating back to January where he claims to have refused bribe requests and even recorded conversations with agents. He details escalating issues between May and August, including alleged demands for bribes and shipment delays. He also mentioned attempting business through his wife's company, facing similar challenges. In a video posted on social media, Ganeshan urged collective action against corruption. "I will stay alive, I will survive, never give up", he stated, marking Gandhi Jayanti with a call to reduce and abolish corrupt practices.
Chennai Customs has responded to these allegations, denying any wrongdoing and stating that the issue stems from "misdeclaration and misclassification" by Wintrack. They claim that Wintrack's shipments were misclassified and contained undeclared USB charging cables with built-in batteries, requiring an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificate under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. Customs officials stated that Wintrack failed to provide necessary compliance documents and instead submitted "legally untenable claims" for exemption. They also allege that Ganeshan attempted to intimidate senior officers with threats of media exposure and self-harm during a meeting. Chennai Customs has described Wintrack's allegations as "false," "calculated," and "a deliberate tactic to pressure officials".
The Union Ministry of Finance has taken cognizance of the matter and has ordered a "fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry" into the allegations. A senior officer from the Department of Revenue (DoR) has been deputed to conduct a detailed factual inquiry, including hearing concerned parties, officials, and examining all relevant documentary evidence. The ministry has stated that the matter is being dealt with "utmost seriousness" and that the government is committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law. The ministry also highlighted recent reforms aimed at improving business operations, including the Taxpayer Charter, faceless customs procedures, and new dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Wintrack case has sparked a wider debate about corruption and harassment faced by businesses in India. Following Wintrack's public allegations, other importers, customs brokers, and business owners have begun sharing their own experiences of bribery demands, harassment, and delays at ports. Some industry insiders have confirmed a pattern of organized corruption within customs zones across India. One customs clearance veteran stated that "Without greasing the palms of the appraiser and deputy commissioner, no importer or CHA can survive in India".
The controversy has drawn reactions from prominent figures, including politicians and business leaders. While some online commenters believe Chennai Customs' stance may be justified , many others feel that customs officials have long hampered businesses with bribery and corruption. The incident has raised concerns about the ease of doing business in India and the gap between government claims of an improved business climate and the reality faced by many businesses.
