For Hindering Investigation
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced on March 31 that it imposed a fine of 300 million won on Apple Korea and decided to accuse an Apple Korea executive along with the company.
The KFTC conducted an investigation at the Apple Korea HQ in Seoul for eight days in June 2016. According to the KFTC, Apple Korea hindered the investigation by intranet disconnection and non-restoration. In addition, the executive and security guards tried to block KFTC investigators from entering the office.
As a result, the KFTC failed to secure evidence that Apple abused its influence in relation to South Korean mobile carriers.
According to the KFTC, the abuse of influence took the form of advertising and repair cost shifts to the mobile carriers. Last month, Apple avoided the resultant punishment by promising to pay 100 billion won.