The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has ordered a full-fledged vigilance investigation into alleged irregularities at the Chennai Customs House after a preliminary enquiry report submitted by the Department of Revenue (DoR) pointed to procedural lapses and possible misconduct involving certain officials and intermediaries.
The move follows a formal complaint by M/s Wintrack Inc., which had alleged irregular practices and procedural deviations in customs clearances at Chennai Port. The DoR was tasked with conducting a fair, transparent and fact-based enquiry, the results of which now form the basis of CBIC’s vigilance action.
Officers Moved Out, Probe to Conclude in Six Weeks
Acting on the findings, CBIC has initiated a thorough vigilance investigation to be completed in a time-bound manner of 4–6 weeks. To ensure the probe’s integrity and independence, all officers named in the report have been relieved of their present responsibilities and transferred out of the jurisdiction with immediate effect.
Sources said the decision reflects a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of procedural malpractice or abuse of authority within customs administration. “The vigilance probe will examine all aspects of the alleged irregularities and recommend accountability where due,” the official said, adding that the investigation will also assess systemic vulnerabilities that may have allowed such practices.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs @cbic_india has received the factual enquiry report from the Department of Revenue (DoR), which was mandated to undertake a fair, transparent and fact-based enquiry into the allegations made by M/s Wintrack Inc. regarding alleged…
— CBIC (@cbic_india) October 11, 2025
Private Fraud Angle and Broker Suspension
Interestingly, the DoR’s factual report also highlights a possible dimension of cheating and private fraud—not by customs officers alone, but by importer-linked intermediaries and agents.
In response, CBIC has taken immediate enforcement measures:
The Customs Broker Agent named in the report has had their license suspended under Regulation 16 of the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations, 2018, pending final investigation results.
A police complaint has been lodged against unauthorised intermediaries allegedly operating in violation of customs law and engaging in deceptive practices.
These steps, officials said, are aimed at signalling clear deterrence against both official misconduct and private malpractices that undermine trade integrity.
Systemic Correctives: Task Force Under Member (Customs)
In parallel, CBIC has constituted a high-level Task Force under Member (Customs) to oversee corrective operational measures and recommend systemic improvements. The Task Force will focus on preventing recurrence of similar cases and restoring trade confidence.
Among the measures outlined are:
Comprehensive review of all pending cases to ensure consistent, transparent, and legally correct application of customs regulations—particularly in cases involving MSMEs and small-scale importers.
Strict monitoring to prevent misuse of authority or retribution against complainants, ensuring that whistleblowers or importers raising grievances are not subjected to undue harassment.
Enhancing the faceless assessment system by masking additional importer details to ensure complete anonymity and avoid any scope for bias or targeted scrutiny.
Restricting physical access to Customs locations strictly to authorised Customs House Agents (CHAs), eliminating the presence of unauthorised middlemen or brokers.
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