Fair Trade Commission "Strict Response to Cargo Solidarity's Deliberate Obstruction of On-site Inspections"

In Standoff at Seoul and Busan Regional Headquarters

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced on the 2nd that "if the Cargo Solidarity deliberately continues to obstruct on-site investigations, it will respond strictly according to law and principles, including filing charges."

On the morning of the same day, the FTC conducted on-site investigations at the Cargo Solidarity headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and the Busan regional headquarters located in Nam-gu, Busan, to verify violations such as unfair joint acts and prohibited acts by business associations.

However, the Cargo Solidarity headquarters is currently blocking entry to the site, citing the absence of representatives, and the Busan regional headquarters is also preventing the FTC's entry, claiming that investigations cannot be conducted during the strike period.

In response, the FTC warned, "Deliberate obstruction or delay of on-site entry constitutes interference with investigations under the Fair Trade Act, and the Cargo Solidarity must promptly cooperate with the FTC's legitimate law enforcement."

According to the Fair Trade Act, anyone who refuses, obstructs, or evades investigations through verbal abuse, assault, or deliberate obstruction or delay of on-site entry during investigations shall be subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 200 million won.

The FTC plans to focus on acts such as coercing affiliated businesses to refuse transportation and obstructing transportation by other businesses during this investigation.