Investigation launched in May after referral from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Police to continue monitoring violations of automotive management law

A Cybertruck on display at Tesla Korea's Gangnam showroom [Yonhap]
A Cybertruck on display at Tesla Korea's Gangnam showroom [Yonhap]

Eighty Tesla owners have been caught by police after attempting to illegally unlock their vehicles' Full Self-Driving feature through unauthorized means — a practice known locally as "jailbreaking."

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's traffic crime investigation unit announced Tuesday that it had arrested and referred to prosecutors 80 suspects on charges of violating the Automobile Management Act. The suspects had connected unauthorized devices to their Tesla vehicles to activate the FSD (Full Self-Driving) driver-assistance feature without approval.

The suspects are accused of using unauthorized devices — either purchased in Europe or China or assembled themselves — to activate the FSD function without permission. Police also seized 21 unauthorized devices.

The investigation was launched in May following a referral from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The jailbreaking activity falls under conduct prohibited by the Automobile Management Act — specifically, the unauthorized modification, installation, addition or deletion of software that could affect the safe operation of a vehicle. Offenders face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won ($15,100).

"Arbitrarily modifying a vehicle's software is an illegal act that can threaten safety on the road," a police official said. "We plan to continue monitoring in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other relevant agencies."

Unauthorized devices seized by police that were used to illegally activate the FSD feature in Tesla vehicles. [Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency]
Unauthorized devices seized by police that were used to illegally activate the FSD feature in Tesla vehicles. [Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency]

kido@heraldcorp.com