(C) Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency

INCHEON, South Korea – Police have apprehended organized groups operating illegal taxi services near Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea's primary gateway. These groups are accused of engaging in unlicensed paid transportation, exploiting passengers with exorbitant fares for journeys across the country.

The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency announced on Monday that a total of 466 individuals have been referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Passenger Transport Service Act. The apprehended personnel were part of eight organized rings and included eight masterminds, 57 middlemen (brokers), and 401 drivers.

Operation Details: Unlicensed Transport and Exorbitant Fares 

The individuals are suspected of using private vehicles or rental cars for unauthorized, paid passenger transport (known as 'unlicensed paid transportation') between February 27 and October 31 of this year. Investigations revealed a clear organizational structure:

Masterminds (8): Issued overall instructions.
Middlemen (57): Managed and recruited drivers, dispatching passenger assignments.
Drivers (401): Carried out the actual transport services.
These illegal operations charged passengers dramatically inflated fares. Trips from Incheon Airport to Seoul cost 80,000 KRW (approximately $60 USD), while longer journeys to regional cities like Busan sometimes fetched up to 600,000 KRW (approximately $450 USD). This is significantly higher than standard, regulated taxi fares or official transportation services.

Special Crackdown for Public Safety 

This mass arrest follows three rounds of a "Special Crackdown on Unlicensed Paid Transportation at Incheon Airport" conducted jointly by the Incheon Police Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Incheon Airport Police Division.

The special enforcement was launched in collaboration with Incheon City, Jung-gu District, and Incheon International Airport Corporation. The initiative was a proactive measure to establish law and order at South Korea's main port of entry and ensure passenger safety, particularly ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

In addition to the illegal taxi crackdown, the joint enforcement efforts—which included the Incheon Police Mobile Patrol Unit, the Airport Police Division, and the Airport Corporation—also issued summary proceedings (similar to on-the-spot fines) to 256 individuals for disorderly conduct, such as illegal touting, in violation of the Airport Facilities Act.

Warning to Travelers: Check for Official Registration 

The police emphasized that the crackdown is not over. They plan to maintain a constant surveillance system and continue close cooperation with local governments and the Incheon Airport Corporation to eradicate illegal paid transportation and maintain order at the airport.

Han Chang-hun, the Chief of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, issued a stern warning to travelers, both domestic and international:

"If a traffic accident occurs while riding in an illegally operated vehicle, insurance processing may be denied, and it could potentially lead to secondary crimes," Chief Han stated. "We urge all users, both locals and foreign visitors, to strictly verify that the service is from a formally registered company before boarding."
Travelers are strongly advised to use only officially registered taxis or airport-approved transportation services to ensure their safety and fair pricing. Under the Passenger Transport Service Act, operating an unauthorized transportation service can lead to up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.

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