A manufacturing company head accused of firing an air gun at a migrant worker's anal area and causing serious injuries has been booked by police.
The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency's special investigation unit said on Apr. 8 it booked A, a man in his 60s who heads a plating company in Hyangnam-eup, Hwaseong, on suspicion of causing injury and imposed a travel ban.
Police formed a dedicated task force for the case and are conducting an on-site investigation. The task force secured a statement from B, a Thai employee in his 40s who is the victim, and, while conducting the on-site probe, converted A into a suspect.
The incident occurred on Feb. 20 when A pressed an air gun against B's anal area while B was working and discharged high-pressure air.
After high-pressure air was injected into the anus, B's abdomen swelled and he showed symptoms of breathing difficulty, requiring emergency surgery at a hospital. The hospital diagnosis was "pneumoperitoneum" and rectal injury. Pneumoperitoneum refers to air accumulating in the abdominal cavity. B is said to be experiencing difficulties in daily life while wearing a colostomy bag on the abdomen.
Police plan to summon A later and focus on investigating intent and specific circumstances of the crime. The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) has also launched a joint planned inspection on labor and industrial safety.
B entered under the Employment Permit System (E-9), but his stay period has now expired. Police plan to implement protective measures regardless of immigration status and provide psychological counseling and support for medical expenses.
President Lee Jae-myung also said, "So that migrant workers injured at industrial worksites can remain in the country and receive hospital treatment regardless of their status, related agencies including the Ministry of Justice and the labor ministry should take proactive measures," adding, "Violence and discrimination against migrant workers, who are socially vulnerable, are serious crimes that can never be tolerated."
In response, the Ministry of Justice is verifying the damage through an organization dedicated to protecting immigrant rights and is reviewing ways to grant the victim a stable immigration status.