14 airport workers accused of stealing from checked luggage, Spanish police say
TSA agents accused of stealing from passengers at security checks in Miami International Airport
Two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents have been accused of stealing money from passengers at Miami International Airport in Florida, after video emerged of them appearing to rummage through luggage at a security checkpoint. (Credit: Miami-Dade State Attorney Office via Storyful)
Fourteen workers at one of Spain's main airports for tourists were arrested on suspicion of stealing items from checked-in luggage, police said Friday.
Police seized allegedly stolen items worth almost 2 million euros ($2.2 million), including around 13,000 euros ($14,000) in cash, from the group of employees at the largest airport in Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands, a statement said. Another 20 airport employees are under investigation in the same case.
Spanish police show items they suspect were stolen from checked luggage (Guardia Civil)
The Tenerife South airport handles about 11 million passengers a year, most of them European tourists seeking the pleasant climate of the islands off the coast of northwest Africa.
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The investigation began after an increase in passenger complaints about items missing from their luggage, the police statement said.
Spanish police show items they suspect were stolen from checked luggage (Guardia Civil)
The thefts occurred as baggage was being placed in the aircrafts’ hold, police said. Inside the hold, the alleged thieves forced open suitcases, took out valuables and shut them again.
Authorities seized 29 luxury wristwatches, 120 items of jewelry, 22 high-end cellphones and assorted electronic devices. The suspects had sold many other items online or in local stores, police believe.
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In June, surveillance video caught TSA agents at Miami International Airport stealing from airline passengers as they sent carry-on luggage through security.
Still image taken from video showing TSA agents who appear to be stealing from travelers' bags. (Miami-Dade State Attorney Office via Storyful)
Josue Gonzalez, 20; Elizabeth Fuster, 22; and Labarrius Williams, 33, were arrested in July and initially charged with organized scheme to defraud.