Police to Operate 'Voluntary Reporting Period for Illegal Weapons' in September... Principle of Exemption from Criminal Liability

Intensive Crackdown on Illegal Weapons in October
Up to 5 Million Won Reward for Informants

Police Agency building. [Photo by Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency announced on the 29th that, starting from the 1st of next month, it will operate a second voluntary reporting period for illegal weapons in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for one month.

The targets for voluntary reporting of illegal weapons include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (gunpowder, explosives, live ammunition, shells, etc.), swords, spray devices, electronic shockers, crossbows, and others.

If reported during the voluntary reporting period, criminal and administrative liabilities will, in principle, be exempted. If the individual wishes to possess the weapon, they can go through a verification process to obtain a permit.

Reports can be made by the individual or a proxy by submitting the illegal weapons to a nearby police station (including district units and police boxes) or military units where reporting offices are established. If it is difficult to submit the items within the reporting period due to unavoidable circumstances, prior reporting by phone or mail followed by submission of the actual items is also allowed.

The police plan to conduct nationwide intensive crackdowns on illegal weapons throughout October after the voluntary reporting period ends. In particular, since September 19, 2019, penalties for illegally manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms have been strengthened to imprisonment from 3 to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million to 100 million KRW. A reward of up to 5 million KRW will be given to those who report illegal weapons.

A police official urged, "If you discover someone possessing illegal weapons nearby, please report immediately to 112 or the nearest police station."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.