In India, a large theft scheme was revealed: more than 1,000 engines were stolen from the Kia plant

In India, a loud scandal erupts around the automaker Kia India: two former employees of the company are suspected of involvement in a large-scale scheme of theft and sale of 1008 automobile engines. According to the Reuters news agency, the criminal activity was conducted for three years and was organized in cooperation with scrap metal dealers.

Despite the fact that the total value of the stolen engines was about $ 2.3 million, the police report dated April 16 emphasizes that the damage is much broader. It notes "a serious impact on production activities, stakeholder confidence and job security", and also expresses concern about possible links to interstate criminal networks.

According to the case file, the thefts were carried out using forged invoices and falsified passes that allowed the illegal removal of engines from the plant's territory. In addition to two Kia employees, at least four accomplices were involved in the fraud, including transport organizers and persons involved in the sale of stolen goods — up to New Delhi.

Kia India said in an official statement that the inventory discrepancy was discovered during the improvement of inventory processes in 2024. After an internal investigation, the company handed over the materials to the police and strengthened the system of control and monitoring of logistics operations.

The main person involved in the case is Vinayagamurthy Veluchamy, a 37-year-old former head of engine dispatching. He was arrested and applied for bail in the State High Court, denying any wrongdoing. The second suspect is Patan Salim, a 33-year-old former foreman who worked at the plant from 2020 to 2025.

According to the investigation, the suspects ' actions were carefully planned and included manipulations with access to internal systems. If formally charged and found guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison under Indian law.

The company first reported missing engines in January 2025 after an inventory survey, which also recorded unauthorized movement of vehicles captured by video surveillance cameras. The official complaint filed in March referred to about 900 engines.

Investigators seized nine mobile phones containing screenshots of WhatsApp messages, shipping invoices and photos of trucks involved in illegal transportation.

The investigation continues, and the case has already become the subject of widespread discussion in business and industrial circles, raising concerns about the security of logistics chains and controls at the enterprises of international companies.