 |
Kia Motors production line. (Photo = Kia) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul/New Delhi, June 3 — Kia’s Indian manufacturing unit has become the subject of a criminal investigation after two former employees were found to have embezzled over 1,000 vehicle engines, valued at approximately USD 2.3 million (KRW 3.2 billion).
According to a Reuters report, Kia discovered the missing engines during an internal audit in March and subsequently filed a complaint with local authorities in Andhra Pradesh, where the plant is located.
The police investigation revealed that a team leader and a shipping department head allegedly forged documentation over a period of three years to divert 1,008 engines sourced from Hyundai. The stolen engines were reportedly resold in markets including New Delhi.
Both individuals have since resigned or been dismissed from the company.
Police authorities stated that the case has serious implications for industrial operations, stakeholder trust, and employment security.
Kia India has not yet released an official statement but is believed to be cooperating fully with the investigation and implementing additional internal controls to prevent recurrence.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
