Korea Coast Guard Apprehends 67 for Illegal Maritime Petroleum Distribution Including 'Undocumented Fuel Transactions'

The Korea Coast Guard announced on the 10th that it conducted a special crackdown on illegal distribution of maritime petroleum from March until the end of July, arresting a total of 67 individuals in 31 cases, detaining one person and referring 18 others without detention.

The special crackdown formed dedicated teams in the investigation departments of Coast Guard offices nationwide, including regional special investigation units, and focused on major ports, harbors, and maritime fuel transport vessels.

The Coast Guard is inspecting an undocumented fuel site of unknown origin. Photo by Korea Coast Guard

By type, there were 21 cases (55 individuals) uncovered in which undocumented fuel with unclear origin—fuel illicitly siphoned off during the supply process, also known as "backdoor fuel"—was purchased and then supplied to ocean-going vessels using petroleum transport ships and tanker trucks.

In addition, there were four cases (4 individuals) of misusing tax-free fuel, intended for fisheries, for vehicles or heavy equipment, and six cases (8 individuals) of fraudulently submitting false fishing vessel operation records to obtain and misuse tax-exempt fuel. The amount seized during the special crackdown totaled 84,456 kiloliters.

Regarding the crackdown, the Coast Guard has referred 19 individuals (including one detained) for prosecution, and is continuing investigations into the remaining 48 individuals.

Jang Insik, acting Commissioner General of the Korea Coast Guard, stated, "Crimes that exploit fluctuations in oil prices are serious acts that threaten the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. To eradicate chronic illegal distribution of maritime fuel, we will maintain a constant enforcement system focused on key maritime areas and conduct thorough investigations under a zero-tolerance policy whenever violations are detected."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.