Gyeonggi-do Conducts Full Survey on Firearm Possession Delinquents, 174 Caught

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] #1 Mr. A, who operates a camping site in Yangju-si, has defaulted on local income tax and other taxes amounting to 30 million KRW. Mr. A refused to pay citing financial hardship, but a comprehensive investigation of firearm possession permits in Gyeonggi-do revealed that he possessed three firearms worth about 13 million KRW, including a shotgun (A6-12F, Gold Vision) valued at 7 million KRW, and seizure procedures are underway.

#2 Mr. B from Hwaseong-si, who defaulted on local income tax of 74 million KRW, is considered insolvent with no significant assets. However, the recent investigation found that he owns a shotgun (Benelli F199928) worth up to 10 million KRW and an air rifle valued at about 3 million KRW for leisure use, and seizure procedures are being pursued.

Gyeonggi-do confirmed through a full investigation of firearm possession among tax delinquents that 174 individuals possess firearms.

The province announced on the 10th that during October and November, a comprehensive survey of firearm possession permits was conducted through 42 frontline police stations in the province, confirming 206 firearms held by 174 tax delinquents at police stations.

This investigation targeted 140,000 local tax delinquents with arrears of 1 million KRW or more within the province.

When purchasing firearms for hunting and leisure activities, under the Firearms Safety Control Act, possession permits must be obtained and firearms must be stored at the relevant police station. Therefore, shotguns and other firearms were not detected during home searches of delinquents and were blind spots in the local government's nationwide asset inquiry and delinquent asset tracking systems.

Accordingly, the province, in cooperation with the police, uncovered firearm possession by 174 delinquents (with arrears totaling about 2.6 billion KRW).

The province is currently proceeding with firearm seizure procedures according to relevant laws. If the delinquents continue to refuse payment, all firearms will be auctioned.

Kim Min-kyung, Director of the Tax Justice Division of the province, emphasized, "The delinquents caught this time did not pay their arrears, making excuses such as business difficulties or unemployment. These individuals are typical chronic delinquents who enjoy leisure activities by purchasing expensive firearms without fulfilling their tax obligations. We will collect the arrears through strong delinquent enforcement to realize tax justice."

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