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5 apprehended for helping over 20 Chinese nationals in illegal entry attempt to Korea

Published: 19 Oct. 2023, 12:58

The boat believed to have been used in smuggling 22 Chinese nationals into Korea through Boryeong, South Chungcheong, on Oct. 3. [KOREA COAST GUARD]

The Chinese coast guard apprehended five suspects involved in smuggling more than 20 people into Korea earlier this month.

According to the Korean Coast Guard on Thursday, in addition to taking in the five suspects, the Chinese coast guard had also located the boat, which is believed to have been used in the smuggling operation.

Twenty-two Chinese nationals caught after illegal entry attempt

Including the individual who was apprehended on Oct. 6, a total of six suspects including a woman, are being questioned regarding the illegal entry to Korea.

The Chinese authorities suspect that a total of eight people were involved, and they are searching for the remaining two, including the captain of the boat used in the operation.

The boat is reportedly equipped with radar, a satellite navigation system, and telecommunications equipment.

Bullet holes were found on one of the boat's engines.

The Korean Coast Guard fired shots when chasing the boat earlier in the month.

Chinese nationals taken into custody by the Korean coast guard on Oct. 3 in Boryeong, South Chungcheong, after they jumped off a boat to enter the country illegally. [KOREA COAST GUARD]

The Korean authorities are also investigating whether there were accomplices in Korea helping the Chinese nationals in their attempt to enter the country illegally.

The Korean Coast Guard said it plans to continue working with the Chinese authorities to combat smuggling activities.

Earlier this month, twenty-two Chinese nationals were apprehended on Oct. 3 for attempting to enter Korea illegally by jumping off a boat near Boryeong, South Chungehong.

The Korean military spotted an unidentified boat approximately 2.3 kilometers (1.43 miles) offshore of the city at 1:53 a.m.

While 21 of them were immediately taken into custody, one managed to flee and traveled to Ansan, Gyeonggi, by taxi. The 57-year-old man who fled was found hiding in a residence in Ansan a few hours later.

Many of them were wearing life vests when they were taken into custody.

The Chinese nationals reportedly attempted to enter the country illegally for job opportunities.

BY HA SU-YOUNG, LEE HO-JEONG [[email protected]]