My Company's Truck Was Illegally Increased... Why Isn't There Any Administrative Action?

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Notifies Suspicion of Ladder Trucks Converted to General Cargo Trucks
Nam District Office Delays Action Despite Confirming Facts
Company CEO Files Complaint Against Officials for Dereliction of Duty
District Office States, "Difficult to Secure Clear Evidence of Illegal Activity"

Gwangju Namgu Office has sparked controversy for failing to take administrative action for several years despite notification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport that about 80 trucks owned by a local freight transportation company are suspected of being illegally increased vehicles. Asia Economy DB

Controversy has arisen as the Nam District Office in Gwangju failed to conduct investigations or take administrative action for several years, despite detecting suspicious circumstances of illegal increase in the number of cargo trucks (license plates) within its jurisdiction. The CEO of the company owning these trucks has responded strongly, even filing a police complaint against officials at the Nam District Office.

According to an Asia Economy investigation on the 17th, the head of a cargo transport company, identified as Mr. A, has reported Section Chief B, Team Leader C, and Officer D of the Nam District Office to the police on charges including dereliction of duty.

In December 2021, despite being notified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport that over 80 cargo trucks registered under two companies owned by Mr. A were "suspected of illegal type change from ladder trucks to general cargo vehicles," the officials did not take appropriate administrative action.

According to domestic regulations, cargo trucks are categorized into general cargo vehicles such as cargo and wing-body trucks, and special-purpose vehicles such as ladder trucks, pump trucks, and cleaning trucks. Among these, increasing the number of special-purpose cargo trucks through changes in use is strictly restricted. Authorities are advised to immediately verify any objections or notifications regarding suspicious activities.

However, the Nam District Office is suspected of having omitted the investigation and verification of facts related to this matter for several years without clear progress or reporting.

It is reported that in June and December 2021, Mr. A purchased over 80 cargo trucks (license plates) through acquaintances, unaware that they were illegally increased vehicles. Some of these acquaintances are said to currently serve as executives in the Gwangju Cargo Truck Transport Business Association.

Mr. A is also pursuing separate civil lawsuits for damages against these individuals.

Mr. A stated, "Ironically, I myself confessed to the Nam District Office that the cargo trucks owned by my company had issues and asked them to resolve it, which is absurd. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport determined the vehicles to be problematic and instructed an investigation and administrative action, but the Nam District Office has delayed this for years, causing me immense stress every day. The amount of fuel subsidies I am currently receiving is enormous, and if it is later determined to be an illegal increase and I have to return it, the damage will not only be mine but will also affect the public."

In response, the Nam District Office has stated that the claims are somewhat different from the facts.

An official from the Nam District Office explained, "It is true that we were notified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport that the cargo trucks owned by Mr. A were illegally increased vehicles. However, for an administrative agency to take action, clear evidence such as when the illegal act began must be secured. The large number of vehicles and the scattered records of registration and deregistration make it difficult to verify. We will do our best to reach a conclusion as soon as possible."