In a shocking revelation, two former employees of Kia Motors in South Korea have been found involved in a massive theft of car engines from the company’s factory over a period of three years.
According to local media reports, the duo, working in collaboration with scrap dealers, managed to steal as many as 1,008 engines, causing a staggering loss of approximately $2.3 million (around ₹19.55 crore).
How the Theft Was Carried Out?
The theft, now being investigated by South Korean law enforcement, took place at Kia’s manufacturing facility.
The two ex-employees reportedly exploited their insider access to smuggle the engines out of the plant. These were then allegedly sold to scrap dealers or used in the black market for second-hand or unregistered vehicles.
The method of execution involved using fake disposal requests and manipulating documentation to pass the stolen engines off as scrap or rejected parts.
Authorities believe this operation went undetected for three years due to internal loopholes and a lack of cross-verification within the company’s parts disposal system.
Also Read: 2025 Hyundai Alcazar Diesel Corporate Variant Launched in India with Panoramic Sunroof
Ongoing Investigation and Kia Motors Response
Police officials confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, with additional suspects possibly involved, including external dealers.
Kia Motors has also launched an internal probe and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The company is expected to take significant measures to tighten its internal security and audit procedures following the scandal.
Impact on Kia Motors Brand Image
The incident has raised serious concerns about internal controls and security within one of South Korea’s largest automobile manufacturers.
While Kia remains one of the top players in the global automotive market, this scandal could potentially impact public trust and raise questions about parts integrity and factory oversight.
This case is a reminder of how internal collusion can lead to large-scale corporate theft, even in well-established global companies.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to surface regarding how this heist went unnoticed for so long and what steps Kia Motors will take to prevent similar incidents in the future.
By
