Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh – In a stunning case of organized theft, nearly 900 Kia car engines have been reported stolen from Kia Motors India’s Penukonda manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. The theft, which remained undetected for nearly five years, has now triggered a nationwide investigation involving multiple special police teams.
Kia Engine Theft Uncovered in March 2025 Audit
The shocking revelation came during a year-end audit in March 2025, when company officials discovered that the engine inventory did not match production and dispatch records. Kia Motors India MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee promptly filed a formal complaint with the Penukonda Industrial Estate Police on March 19, initiating one of the largest automotive theft investigations in India.
Theft from Within: Police Confirm Insider Involvement
According to DSP Y Venkateswarulu, the theft was “phased and meticulously planned,” with strong suspicion of collusion between former and current employees. While initial investigations considered the possibility of theft during transportation from Tamil Nadu, police now confirm that the engines were stolen directly from Kia’s Penukonda facility, with internal record tampering used to mask the losses.
This revelation points toward a highly coordinated internal scam, involving manipulation of documentation and possibly exploitation of operational loopholes within the manufacturing facility.
Police Form Special Teams for Kia Engine Theft Case
In response to the scale and complexity of the case, Sri Sathya Sai District SP V Rathna has deployed three dedicated investigation teams. These teams are actively reviewing records across multiple locations and tracing the supply chain data to identify all individuals involved.
“This is definitely an insider’s job. The theft occurred over a long period, and we are tracking all leads seriously,” said DSP Venkateswarulu.
Has Kia Production Been Affected?
Despite the loss of 900 engines, Kia Motors India assures that production has not been affected. The Penukonda plant continues to manufacture key models such as the Kia Seltos, Sonet, Carens, and Syros, contributing to a robust annual output of nearly 300,000 to 400,000 units.
A spokesperson for the company stated that operational continuity has been maintained, and additional checks are being implemented to prevent future discrepancies.
What Happens Next?
The Kia engine theft case is currently under intense scrutiny. With multiple teams working on-site and across locations, authorities expect to make significant breakthroughs in the coming weeks. Arrests and more disclosures are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Key Takeaways:
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900 Kia engines stolen from Penukonda plant over a 5-year span
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Discrepancy discovered during March 2025 audit
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Internal collusion and record tampering confirmed
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Production remains unaffected
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Three police teams deployed for nationwide investigation