Marketing to Kids

In their mission to maximize profits from the sale of deadly and addictive products, tobacco companies have been investigated by governments across the world for activity including bribery, corruption, and avoiding paying corporate taxes. Tobacco companies like Philip Morris International use their relationships with government officials, politicians, media, and businesses to block tobacco control policies. Tobacco companies can be weakened when their misconduct is publicly exposed and those relationships are strained and severed.

According to the Philip Morris International 2017 annual report: The South Korean Board of Audit and Inspection (“BAI”) conducted an audit of certain Korean government agencies and the tobacco industry – including Philip Morris Korea Inc – into whether inventory movements ahead of the January 1, 2015 increase of cigarette-related taxes by tobacco companies, were in compliance with South Korean tax laws. The tax authorities have also referred the matter to the Public Prosecutor, who will further investigate and decide whether to file criminal charges against PM Korea and/or other alleged co-offenders. In addition, the South Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance (“MOSF”) filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor against PM Korea and its managing director. In its criminal complaint, the MOSF alleged that PM Korea exceeded the monthly product withdrawal limits that the MOSF had set in its notice. The Public Prosecutor will investigate the MOSF’s criminal complaint and decide whether to prosecute.

You can help pressure decision-makers in South Korea to end their relationships with British American Tobacco. Make sure everyone you know is aware that British American Tobacco is being investigated by the government of South Korea for tax avoidance.