National 2024-04-16 08:26
In this image provided by NIS on Monday, officials from the National Intelligence Service test weapons made using parts bought through online overseas shopping platforms. NIS
By Jun Ji-hye
Online shopping sites in other countries are selling dangerous products, including powder-actuated nails, that can be deadly to humans.
National Intelligence Service announced its findings on Monday. Its officials said they are moving quickly to develop countermeasures to prevent domestic consumers from accessing dangerous products. These include crossbows in pistol style, scare guns to discourage birds, and powder-activated nail guns. Imports of these are prohibited.
NIS has inspected products from multiple overseas platforms which have experienced a dramatic increase in users in Korea. Although the agency didn’t disclose names, it is believed that the platforms include Amazon and AliExpress.
The NIS confirmed that consumers could easily buy parts for guns made by hand at these platforms during its inspection.
An official from the NIS said that it is difficult to regulate online platforms for overseas shopping because domestic laws are rarely applied. We found that certain products were able to pass customs with no restrictions.
A powder-activated nail gun, and three types of guns constructed from parts bought on overseas platforms were tested by the spy agency. These products can all cause fatal injuries to humans.
This DIY gun included the pipe-shaped weapon used in 2022 to murder former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. The attacker at the time was thought to have created the weapon within a few days after gathering readily-available materials, such as metal and wood pipes.
According to anti-terrorism laws, the NIS is working with other agencies and the Korea Customs Service to stop the dangerous items being brought into Korea.