West Sea Coast Guard Agency to Completely Block Maritime Border Crimes Such as Stowaway and Illegal Entry

Four-Month Intensive Crackdown Until August 31

The West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency (Commissioner Lee Myungjun) will conduct a four-month intensive crackdown until August 31, in anticipation of maritime border crimes such as stowaway attempts, illegal entry, and visa-free violations, which are expected to increase during periods of favorable maritime weather conditions.

According to the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency on May 2, there have been a total of 11 cases in the past five years within its jurisdiction, including attempted stowaway incidents by economic offenders and unauthorized departures by foreigners who entered Jeju without a visa. The number of such cases has been steadily increasing each year.

West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency building exterior

In particular, compared to the past, methods of maritime border crimes have become more diverse, and there is a growing trend of these crimes becoming more sophisticated and organized, with professional organizations and brokers facilitating and transporting offenders via social media being apprehended.

In response, the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency plans to completely block maritime border crimes through intensive enforcement by strengthening inspections and searches of vessels suspected of stowaway attempts, expanding random inspections of passenger ships on the Jeju route, and enhancing cooperation with relevant agencies.

A representative from the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency stated, "The public's interest and reports are crucial to preventing the steadily increasing maritime border crimes," and urged, "If you discover any crimes or suspicious vessels related to stowaway or illegal entry, please report them to the nearest Coast Guard station."

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