A large number of foreign nationals have been caught working as motorcycle delivery riders without proper authorization by stealing the identities of South Korean citizens.

The Ministry of Justice announced on Monday (July 6) that it had conducted a targeted crackdown on illegal foreign delivery riders from January to May of this year, resulting in the apprehension of 734 foreign nationals and 16 delivery service businesses.

This figure is approximately 11 times higher than the total number of individuals caught during the entire year of 2025 (67 people).

By nationality, Vietnamese nationals accounted for the largest share with 444 people (61%), followed by Chinese (164) and Uzbek (86) nationals.

Geographically, Seoul had the highest number of cases with 282 people (39%).

This was followed by Suwon with 172 (23%), Daejeon with 43 (6%), Incheon with 40 (5%), Cheongju with 29 (4%), Siheung with 27 (4%), and Busan with 17 (2%).

In terms of visa status, international students holding D-2 visas made up the majority, accounting for 410 people (56%).

Overseas Koreans (F-4) accounted for 149 (20%), job seekers (D-10) for 99 (14%), and others for 76 (10%).

The international students caught were found to be enrolled at a total of 96 different universities.

Taking into account the severity of the violations, the duration of illegal employment, and their residency status, the Ministry of Justice has ordered 68 individuals to leave the country, including through forced deportation, and imposed a total of approximately 1.628 billion won in fines on 643 individuals.

Investigations are currently underway for the remaining 20 individuals.

The Ministry of Justice explained that among those caught, two were referred to the police for prosecution, one was identified as a wanted person and handed over to the police, and 15 individuals found to be driving without a license will be referred for police investigation following further inquiries.

Sixteen delivery business owners who illegally provided delivery app accounts belonging to other South Koreans to these foreign nationals were also caught and are currently under investigation.

Minister of Justice Jeong Sung-ho stated, "We will strengthen investigations not only into illegal foreign delivery riders but also into brokers who provide identities, in order to prevent the infringement of employment opportunities for our citizens. We will also cooperate with relevant agencies to fundamentally block the environment that facilitates illegal delivery work."

(Photo: Yonhap News)