CBIC Transfers Chennai Customs Officials After Wintrack Corruption Allegations

Ten days after the private company Wintrack accused Chennai Air Cargo Customs of corruption, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) transferred two senior officials from the agency.

Principal Commissioner M.G. Thamizh Valavan was moved to the Director General of Taxpayer Service (DGTS), and Deputy Commissioner Harendra Singh Pal was shifted to the Directorate General of Performance Management (DGPM).

CBIC officials said the transfers were made for administrative reasons to allow a fair investigation and do not mean the officers are guilty of any wrongdoing.

CBIC wrote on X that “the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs @cbic_india has received the factual inquiry report from the Department of Revenue. Based on the prima facie findings, a thorough vigilance investigation is being initiated, which is proposed to be completed in 4-6 weeks.”

The action came after allegations from Wintrack that Chennai Customs was involved in corruption and harassment while clearing its cargo imported from China. The issue sparked widespread outrage, with public figures like Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal Global Education Services, and MP Shashi Tharoor voicing support for Wintrack.

In response, Chennai Customs issued a clarification denying any bribery claims. The department stated that Wintrack had misdeclared its shipment, submitted incorrect documents, and falsely claimed an exemption.