Criminal Acts Surge Targeting Some Kia Models Produced 2011-2021
Ignition Devices Damaged and USB Inserted to Steal Vehicles... Nicknamed 'Kia Boys'
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] Amid a surge in theft crimes in the U.S. where Kia vehicles are stolen and the process is filmed and posted on TikTok, four American teenagers presumed to have followed this so-called 'Kia Challenge' died in an accident.
According to the Washington Post and others on the 27th (local time), on the morning of the 24th, a vehicle carrying six teenagers crashed on Route 33 in Buffalo, New York. Five of the teenagers inside the car were ejected through the sunroof. Among them, four died, and the remaining two were reportedly taken to the hospital.
The police believe this accident occurred while participating in the 'Kia Challenge' trending on the social networking service (SNS) TikTok. It is presumed that they followed the TikTok challenge of damaging the ignition system of Kia vehicles and starting the engine using a USB cable to steal the car. Joseph Gramaglia, Buffalo Police Chief, stated, "It appears that the teenagers participated in the TikTok challenge of stealing Kia cars using phone chargers." However, no evidence related to Kia car theft has been disclosed.
The 'Kia Challenge' is a criminal act targeting certain Kia vehicle models produced from 2011 to before November 2021, where the stolen vehicle is posted on SNS as proof. They share methods of vehicle theft, exploiting the fact that metal keys are used and the anti-theft device called the 'engine immobilizer' is absent. They are also known as the 'Kia Boys.'
Recently, such theft incidents have been increasing across the United States. Chief Gramaglia said, "Local car crimes have increased by 90% compared to this time last year," adding, "Many cities nationwide are investigating or filing lawsuits because of the ease of stealing Kia vehicles."
According to the Wall Street Journal, among 3,970 vehicle theft reports filed in St. Louis, Missouri, up to August 29, the proportion of Kia or Hyundai models was 48%, a sharp increase from 7% last year. In Chicago, 601 theft reports of Hyundai and Kia vehicles were filed in August alone.
Victims have filed a class-action lawsuit against Kia and others on August 4 at the U.S. District Court for the Southeastern District of Iowa. In the complaint, they claim that Hyundai and Kia "manufactured vehicles that are easy to steal, unsafe, and defective," and demand reimbursement for costs related to anti-theft devices and increased insurance premiums due to defects.
Kia America previously issued a statement saying, "We are aware of the recent challenge targeting some Kia vehicles," emphasizing, "This reckless and dangerous method of stealing vehicles threatens communities and infringes on vehicle owners' property rights."
The fact that criminal acts are circulated through SNS platforms is also cited as a problem. However, TikTok stated regarding the 'Kia Challenge,' "We do not tolerate such behavior that clearly violates our policies, and content found on our platform will be removed."
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