Gang Selling 11,864ℓ Mixed Kerosene in Diesel Tank Finally Sentenced to Prison

The photo shows the seizure of fake oil.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] A group that sold so-called 'fake oil' by mixing kerosene with diesel has been sentenced to prison with a suspended sentence.

On the 24th, the Daegu District Court Criminal Division 10 (Presiding Judge Park Hyo-seon) announced that A (66), who was indicted for violating the Petroleum and Petroleum Substitute Fuel Business Act, was sentenced to one year in prison, and B (67) was sentenced to six months in prison, with the execution of the sentences suspended for two years from the date the verdict is finalized.

A is accused of mixing 400 liters of kerosene into a diesel storage tank and manufacturing similar petroleum products twice around the afternoon of November 21, 2019, while in charge of refueling operations. It was revealed that the manufactured products were sold to consumers as is.

B, the on-site manager of the gas station, is known to have sold the products to an unspecified number of consumers who visited the gas station together with A at a price of 1,388 won per liter. It was investigated that they sold a total of 11,864 liters, worth approximately 16.4 million won at market price, of similar petroleum products and stored about 6,180 liters remaining.

The court stated, "The manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of fake petroleum products not only infringe on the state's tax rights but also constitute a serious crime that can cause physical harm and property damage to consumers using petroleum products, thus requiring strict punishment."

It also added, "Considering that A led the entire criminal act and was deeply involved, admitted the crime and showed remorse, and is a first-time offender, these factors were comprehensively taken into account in sentencing."

Meanwhile, cases of mixing kerosene and diesel to manufacture so-called 'fake oil,' exploiting the fact that kerosene is about 450 won cheaper per liter than diesel, have been occurring nationwide, including in Seoul as recently as July last month. Experts have stated, "Using fake oil not only causes air pollution but can also harm consumers who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic."