New York has become the latest city to file a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia over a series of vehicle thefts that have gone viral on TikTok and other social media platforms in recent years. according with the Wall Street Journal.
In its lawsuit, the US Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York alleges that the automakers are negligent for failing to include anti-theft devices in their cars that would have made them much more difficult to steal.
Videos circulating under the title "Kia Challenge" have led to hundreds of car thefts across the country, including at least 14 reported accidents and eight deaths, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Thieves known as the “Kia Boys” are posting instructional videos on YouTube and TikTok on how to bypass vehicle security systems using tools as simple as a USB cable.
Other videos show rides in stolen vehicles and the subsequent destruction of foreign property.
