900 engines stolen from Kia plant over five years

Attackers have smuggled more than 900 engines out of a Kia plant in India over the past five years. Police believe it was an elaborate operation involving employees of the plant.

Here's What We Know

According to India Times, the theft came to light after the plant, located in the south of the country near the town of Penukonda, underwent an internal audit last year. In March this year, the management launched its own investigation and reported the incident to the police.

According to preliminary information, the engines were removed in stages and in a targeted manner. The police are sure that employees of the plant were involved in the case. It was probably a collusion between former and current employees.

Initially, investigators assumed that the engines could have been stolen during transport, but now it has been established that they were taken directly from the territory of the plant. To do so, the perpetrators forged internal documentation to ensure a "clean" removal. However, it remains unclear exactly how the large units were physically removed from the protected area.

"The thefts started in 2020 and have been going on for almost five years," another police official told NDTV. - "We intend to probe the matter thoroughly."

The plant, which makes Carens, Seltos, Sonet and Syros models for the local market, produces more than 300,000 vehicles a year. Against this backdrop, the disappearance of 900 engines is not immediately apparent.

"We have set up three special investigation teams," added another law enforcement official. - "They are travelling all over the country collecting important documents. The investigation is well underway."

Kia has not yet made any official comment, but a factory spokesperson told India Times that car production has not been affected due to the loss of some units.

Sources: India Times, NDTV