The disgraced sergeant, whose name is being withheld, now faces prosecution after being caught stealing 320 liters of fuel from five concrete mixer trucks parked in Daedeok District in Daejeon last month. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Apr. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — An admired police officer in Daejeon who had received praise from the chief of police and media coverage for catching wanted criminals has been caught stealing motor oil.
The disgraced sergeant, whose name is being withheld, now faces prosecution after being caught stealing 320 liters of fuel from five concrete mixer trucks parked in Daedeok District in Daejeon last month.
The police officer, who was known for pursuing criminals even during the weekend, told investigators that he stole the fuel after becoming frustrated over a lack of incentives and rewards for his performance at work.
Known as the ‘Number One Policeman’ among colleagues, the officer, who is part of a constabulary unit at the Daejeon Dongbu Police Station, typically drove around in his private car in search of wanted criminals while off duty.
Though his remarkable performance in the workplace earned him wide media coverage and even a commendation from the chief of police, the officer wasn’t able to receive compensation for fuel expenses.
Having failed to pass special promotion exams on multiple occasions, with little to no acknowledgement of his work, the officer began to steal motor fuel, according to Daejeon Daedeok Police Station, which is in charge of the case.
The officer first denied any charges before admitting to a total of three thefts including last month, and two other occasions in 2014 and 2015, with the total amount of fuel stolen amounting to hundreds of liters.
“I stole diesel fuel after receiving little to no compensation for catching wanted criminals with my car that runs on fuel that I paid out of my own pocket for,” the officer said during the interrogation.
When asked about the illegally-obtained vehicle he was driving and gasoline canisters found in the car, the officer said it belonged to an acquaintance.
“It was quite the shock to hear that the sergeant was the culprit, as he had such a good reputation,” another police official who knows the sergeant said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
