Workers at Spain ‘s major international airport, Sur-Reina Sofia , near Tenerife, were arrested by Guardia Civil police following complaints of theft. Fourteen employees of Spain airport have been detained, suspected of stealing items worth $2.2 million from checked baggage, including $14,000 in cash that authorities have retrieved.
An additional 20 workers are under suspicion for involvement in the theft ring. The investigation stemmed from numerous reports filed by travelers about missing belongings.
(eTN):Spain Airport: 14 Workers Arrested for $2.2 Million Theft Allegation | re-post license | post content
Police confiscated 29 luxury watches, 22 cellphones, various electronic devices, and an astounding 120 pieces of jewelry. Allegedly, these items were stolen by workers during the loading and unloading of luggage onto planes. The suspects purportedly slowed down their tasks to tamper with suitcase zippers and access the contents inside the holds.
According to police, the suspects allegedly extracted desired items like jewelry, cellphones, watches, and electronics from the luggage, resealing the zippers to conceal any tampering.
The accused individuals are reportedly charged with belonging to a criminal group, committing robbery through force, and engaging in money laundering.