CBIC probes Chennai Customs after Wintrack harassment claims; suspends broker, sets up task force

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has initiated a vigilance investigation following a factual inquiry report from the Department of Revenue (DoR) into allegations made by private firm Wintrack Inc regarding irregularities at Chennai Customs. The CBIC, in a post on X, said that the DoR enquiry has found prima facie evidence warranting a detailed vigilance probe. The investigation is expected to be completed within four to six weeks. To ensure the inquiry remains credible and impartial, the CBIC has immediately relieved the officers identified in the report from their current responsibilities and transferred them out of the jurisdiction. The report also points to possible cheating and private fraud involving the importers own agents and intermediaries. Consequently, the licence of the Customs Broker Agent named in the report has been suspended under Regulation 16 of the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations, 2018, pending the final outcome of the investigation. Additionally, a police complaint has been filed against the unauthorised intermediaries. Wintrack Inc, in a post on X, had announced that it would cease its import-export operations in India from October 1, citing relentless harassment and retaliation by Customs officials after it allegedly exposed bribery demands. After exposing their bribery practices twice this year, they retaliated, effectively crippling our operations and destroying our business in India. We deeply thank everyone who has supported us during these difficult times, claimed the company on X. The CBIC had to intervene after Wintracks social media post went viral with several individuals coming forward with their accounts of harrowing encounters with the Indian Customs. In a broader corrective step, the CBIC is setting up a task force under the Member (Customs) to strengthen integrity and restore confidence in Customs operations. The task force will review all pending cases to ensure transparency and fairness, especially for MSMEs and small importers. It will also work to prevent misuse of authority or retaliation against complainants, ensure complete anonymity in faceless assessments, restrict access to Customs areas only to authorised agents, and improve grievance redressal through closer monitoring and regular reviews. The CBIC said these measures reaffirm the governments commitment to upholding integrity within the Customs administration, enhancing systemic transparency, and facilitating smooth trade and commerce.