CBIC Orders Vigilance Probe into Chennai Customs Bribery Allegations 

CBIC Orders Vigilance Probe into Chennai Customs Bribery Allegations

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has initiated a vigilance inquiry into serious bribery claims made against officials of the Chennai Customs department by an importer, Wintrack Inc.

Key Allegations and Action Taken

• Importer’s Claim: The importer, Wintrack Inc., alleged that Chennai Customs officials demanded a ₹2 lakh bribe to process and clear their consignment. The importer also accused the officials of harassing them through deliberate acts of misdeclaration and misclassification of goods.
• CBIC’s Response: The CBIC immediately responded by ordering an internal vigilance probe into the conduct of the concerned officials.
• Objective: The primary goal of the inquiry is to investigate the veracity of the bribery allegations and the claims of procedural malpractice, ensuring that corruption is eliminated and that the Customs process remains transparent and fair for traders.
• Significance: This decisive action by CBIC underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the tax administration and addressing complaints of harassment and corruption at major trade ports.