Gyeonggi Province Special Prosecution Division to Investigate "Counterfeit Petroleum" Crimes Including Non-Compliant Quality Manufacturing and Distribution Throughout the Year

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] The Gyeonggi Province Special Prosecution Division will conduct year-round intensive investigations into illegal petroleum product distribution activities to prevent damage to residents caused by counterfeit petroleum.

Counterfeit petroleum refers to petroleum products manufactured for the purpose of being used as fuel for vehicles or machinery by mixing other petroleum products (including petroleum products of different grades) into petroleum products.

If vehicles are refueled over an extended period, engine failures or shutdowns are possible, which could lead to major accidents resulting in loss of life, and the emission of harmful gases poses fatal health risks to humans.

Priority investigation targets include ▲Manufacturing, importing, storing, transporting, or storing counterfeit petroleum products or selling non-compliant quality products ▲Selling unreported petroleum ▲Selling petroleum below stated quantities ▲Refusing, obstructing, or evading quality inspections ▲Selling undocumented petroleum, and more.

In addition, the division plans to conduct comprehensive investigations into illegal activities under the 'Petroleum and Petroleum Alternative Fuel Business Act' that are detected during the investigation process.

The Province's Special Prosecution Division has a policy to track down all illegal activities, arrest violators, recover ill-gotten gains to the maximum extent possible, and confiscate and dispose of all detected counterfeit petroleum in its entirety.

Under the 'Petroleum and Petroleum Alternative Fuel Business Act,' those who manufacture, store, and sell counterfeit petroleum may face imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 200 million won. Violating businesses may also receive administrative punishments such as business suspension or closure of operations from their respective district offices.

Kim Young-soo, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Special Prosecution Division, stated, "We will conduct rigorous investigations based on a zero-tolerance principle to establish fair petroleum distribution order and create an environment where residents can confidently refuel," and added, "Please report or provide tips to the Gyeonggi Province Special Prosecution Division (031-8008-5095) for gas stations with suspiciously low prices or questionable quality."

Information about detected illegal counterfeit petroleum distribution gas stations can be found on the "Illegal Activity Public Notice" section of Opinet (www.opinet.co.kr).