• Source:JND
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Amid the controversy over bribery charges against the Chennai Customs levied by importer Wintrack Inc, the Ministry of Finance on Thursday said that it has taken note of the allegations. The Finance Ministry said that it has ordered a fact-based inquiry into the matter.

In a statement, the ministry said, "The Government has taken cognizance of the matter raised by M/s Wintrack Inc (Chennai)". The ministry added that the Department of Revenue (DoR) has been asked to conduct a "fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry" into the issue.

"A senior officer from DoR has been deputed to conduct a detailed factual enquiry, hearing the parties concerned, officials, and thoroughly examining all relevant documentary evidence," the ministry said.

The ministry added that the government, in recent years, has implemented a series of taxpayer-friendly initiatives, such as the adoption of the Taxpayer Charter, the introduction of faceless customs procedures, and the establishment of appellate bodies for dispute resolution, intending to enhance transparency and promote ease of doing business.

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Bribery and harassment accusations by Wintrack Inc

The row erupted after Wintrack Inc on Wednesday announced that cease its operation, accusing the Chennai Customs officials of harassment after it allegedly exposed their bribe demands.

On Thursday, Chennai-based Wintrack Inc. founder Ganeshan posted a video on X detailing the sequence of events since January 2025 that led to his decision to close down his business.

In response, the Chennai Customs called the allegations as part of a pattern where it alleged the importer of levying false charges and later deleting the post.

The customs also clarified that the importer did not have an EPC certificate for eight boxes of USB cables with built-in rechargeable batteries as per the rules and that they were granted a fair hearing. Still, the firm didn't comply, the Chennai Customs wrote in a long reply to Ganeshan.

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CBIC assures action

Amid the row, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) also posted on X, clarifying that the issue pertains to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer.

"All facts will be duly examined. Necessary action, as warranted under the law, will be taken," the CBIC had tweeted.

(With PTI Inputs)