South Korea cracks down on illegal oil trade amid price hikes, arresting 67

South Korea's Coast Guard has apprehended 67 individuals for their involvement in the illegal trade of 'back oil' and the misuse of duty-free fuel, exploiting the volatile international oil market. The crackdown, conducted from March 11 to July 31, targeted illegal oil distribution at sea, leading to the arrest of individuals suspected of violating the Petroleum Business Act.

Among those caught, a company representative in his 50s was detained, and 18 others were sent for prosecution without detention. The Coast Guard is continuing investigations into the remaining cases. The operation involved specialized units focusing on major ports and offshore oil transport vessels to intercept illicit oil trafficking.

Investigations revealed 21 cases of trading 'back oil', oil secretly siphoned off during the supply process, and its illegal distribution, involving 55 people. These individuals allegedly used oil transport vessels and tank trucks to distribute the illicit fuel. One group is accused of supplying approximately 14.6 million liters of 'back oil' worth 13.8 billion won to domestic cargo ships over three years and four months.

The Coast Guard intends to enhance collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Tax Service, and the Korea Customs Service to combat persistent illegal maritime oil trade. Regular crackdowns will continue in key maritime areas even after the special operation concludes. "Crimes exploiting oil price instability are serious acts that threaten the civilian economy," said Jang In-sik, acting chief of the Coast Guard. "We will maintain a constant crackdown system in major waters and strictly investigate illegal activities with a zero-tolerance policy."

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Crimes exploiting oil price instability are serious acts that threaten the civilian economy. We will maintain a constant crackdown system in major waters and strictly investigate illegal activities with a zero-tolerance policy.