In connection with a case in which a Chinese dissident who attempted to enter illegally across the Yellow Sea was apprehended following a report by a fisherman, the Taean Coast Guard Station paid a reward to the captain of the fishing vessel who played a decisive role in resolving the case.

The Taean Coast Guard stated on the 15th that, in relation to a violation of the Immigration Control Act that occurred at sea near Seogyeokbido in Taean County, South Chungcheong Province, it paid a reward of 2 million won to the informant who contributed to the arrest of Chinese national Dong Guangping, in accordance with Korea Coast Guard regulations.

The recipient of the reward is Mr. Choi, captain of the 20-ton class coastal gillnetter vessel A, who was working at around 9:30 p.m. on the 25th of last month about 10 nautical miles (18㎞) northwest of Seogyeokbido.

While fishing, he discovered a rubber boat drifting in territorial waters and confirmed that an occupant was waving and requesting rescue. Seeing that the occupant appeared to be Chinese, he immediately reported it to the Coast Guard via the Taean Fishing Vessel Safety Operations Office.

Responding to the report, the Taean Coast Guard confirmed through on-site verification and investigation that Dong Guangping attempted to enter the country by crossing the Yellow Sea in a small rubber boat without going through formal entry procedures, and placed him under emergency arrest on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control Act.

On the 27th of last month, the Coast Guard applied for an arrest warrant to the Seosan Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutors Office, but the court dismissed it. In accordance with subsequent procedures, the suspect was handed over to the Daejeon Immigration Office and Foreigners Affairs Office, and following further investigation, was referred without detention on the 4th.

The Taean Coast Guard viewed this case as one resolved through the prompt report and active cooperation of a civilian fisher, and paid the reward in recognition of the contribution to apprehending the offender and blocking illegal entry.

An official of the Taean Coast Guard said, “Prompt reporting of suspicious vessels or drifters found at sea greatly helps to ensure public safety and prevent maritime crime,” and added, “We will do our utmost to maintain maritime security by fostering a culture of active reporting.”

Dong Guangping reportedly served in China as a police officer and a soldier, and was dismissed from the police in 1999 for signing a letter related to the Tiananmen incident. He is known to have had conflicts with the Chinese government, including being detained by the authorities after participating in a Tiananmen memorial event in 2014.