Travel
Airport Employees Commit $2.2 Million Luggage Theft in Spain
By Matt De Vlieger · December 24, 2023
Airport Staff Busted
Airport Workers Arrested for $2.2 million Luggage Theft in SpainFourteen employees at Tenerife South airport in the Canary Islands have been arrested for allegedly stealing items from checked-in luggage, with goods worth almost 2 million euros seized, raising concerns about airport security and the protection of passengers’ belongings. Guardia Civil
Pilfering Airport Staffers Face the Law
Spanish authorities have apprehended the fourteen employees at the Tenerife South airport in the Canary Islands on suspicion of pilfering items from passengers’ checked-in luggage. The alarming revelation has rocked the popular tourist destination, known for its idyllic climate and as a magnet for millions of European holiday-makers. Guardia Civil
Found in Possession
The arrested workers, part of the airport’s staff, were found in possession of stolen goods estimated to be worth nearly 2 million euros ($2.2 million), with the haul including approximately 13,000 euros ($14,000) in cash. A further 20 employees are currently under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation. Guardia Civil
Cracking Open Bags in Loading
Tenerife South airport, a gateway for around 11 million passengers annually, has been at the center of this scandal. The surge in passenger grievances over missing items from their luggage prompted the launch of the inquiry. According to the police statement, the thefts took place during the loading of baggage onto aircraft. The alleged perpetrators reportedly pried open suitcases inside the aircrafts’ hold, removed valuable contents, and resealed the luggage. Guardia Civil
Hidden Gems
It is suspected that the accused individuals had been offloading many other stolen items through online channels and local retail outlets. Guardia Civil
Gave Concern
The incident has sparked grave concerns about airport security and the safeguarding of passengers’ possessions. Guardia Civil