67 Arrested in South Korea for Illegal Maritime Oil Distribution, Including Misuse of Tax-Exempt Fuel

South Korea's maritime police have apprehended 67 people involved in the illegal distribution of maritime oil, uncovering a significant black market operation. The special crackdown, conducted from March 11 to July 31, identified 31 violations and resulted in the arrest of 67 individuals. One person was arrested and sent to prosecutors for violating the Petroleum Business Act, while 18 others were sent without detention. The total volume of illegally distributed oil detected during the operation reached 91,629 kiloliters, marking the largest amount recorded in the past four years.

The most prevalent illegal activity involved the distribution of "back oil" – fuel secretly siphoned off during supply and then sold to oil tankers or tank trucks for delivery to foreign-bound vessels. This type of illicit trade accounted for 21 cases and 55 arrests. For instance, one individual arrested in Yeongam in April was found to have supplied approximately 14.6 million liters of untaxed fuel, valued at about 13.8 billion won, to domestic cargo ships over 386 instances since December 2022.

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Crimes exploiting oil price instability are serious acts that threaten the national economy.

Another significant aspect of the crackdown targeted the misuse of tax-exempt fuel designated for fishing operations. Four cases involving four arrests were related to the improper use of this fuel for vehicles and heavy equipment. Additionally, six cases leading to eight arrests involved illegally obtaining tax-exempt fuel by submitting false fishing vessel departure and arrival records, even when the vessels did not actually operate.

Maritime Police Agency Acting Commissioner Jang In-sik stated that criminal activities exploiting oil price instability pose a serious threat to the national economy. He emphasized that the agency would maintain a constant surveillance system, particularly in key maritime areas, even after the special crackdown concludes, and would strictly investigate all detected illegal activities without leniency.

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Persistent illegal maritime oil distribution will be met with continuous surveillance in major maritime areas even after the special crackdown, and we will strictly investigate all detected illegal acts with no leniency.