Illegal ride-hailing targeting migrant workers busted in Hwaseong, 29 foreign drivers arrested

Authorities in Hwaseong, South Korea, have cracked down on an illegal ride-hailing operation, known locally as 'col-ttwigi,' that preyed on foreign migrant workers. The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency arrested 29 foreign nationals suspected of violating the Passenger Transport Service Act.

These individuals allegedly used their private vehicles to solicit passengers, primarily in areas frequented by foreign workers such as large supermarkets and commercial districts. They operated by either directly soliciting customers or recruiting them through platforms like Telegram, charging fares that were typically 2,000 to 3,000 won cheaper than standard taxi rates. Payments were often exclusively in cash.

The suspects demonstrated a degree of cunning, attempting to evade detection by claiming passengers were friends or acquaintances when questioned by taxi drivers or when police presence was suspected. To counter this, the police conducted long-term surveillance, analyzed driving patterns, and gathered evidence before making sequential arrests.

Further investigation revealed that some of the arrested individuals were also operating without a license, leading to additional charges under the Road Traffic Act. The arrested individuals were reportedly migrant workers legally residing in South Korea on E-9 (non-professional employment) visas, who engaged in this illegal business during weekends while working in factories on weekdays.

Police emphasized their commitment to continuous, year-round surveillance against such illegal operations. They highlighted the significant risks associated with unlicensed and uninsured private vehicle services, including difficulties in compensating accident victims and the potential for exploitation in serious criminal activities.

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Illegal operations using private vehicles or unregistered cars are highly likely to be uninsured and unlicensed, making it difficult to recover damages in case of traffic accidents and raising concerns about their potential use in serious criminal activities. Therefore, we plan to maintain a system of continuous, year-round surveillance.