Forklift Operator in His 50s Referred to Prosecution for 'Forklift Abuse' of Immigrant Worker

Foreign Coworkers Also Referred to Prosecution
for Aiding and Abetting Abuse

An immigrant worker tied to a forklift and being abused. Provided by Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network.

A forklift operator who repeatedly committed acts of abuse, such as tying up an immigrant worker and lifting him with a forklift, has been referred to the prosecution along with other foreign workers who witnessed the abuse but failed to take any action.

On August 27, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced that it had sent Mr. A, a forklift operator in his 50s, to the prosecution without detention on charges including special confinement and special assault.

Mr. A is accused of assaulting a Sri Lankan immigrant worker in his 30s, Mr. B, on February 26 at a brick manufacturing plant in Naju, Jeonnam, by tying him up with white plastic along with bricks and lifting him with a forklift.

Additionally, foreign workers Mr. B and Mr. C, who witnessed the abuse but failed to intervene, have also been referred to the prosecution.

Meanwhile, labor authorities have separately obtained victim statements alleging that Mr. A committed similar acts of abuse against another worker four years ago and are currently investigating the matter.