First Choice sacks two in GBP6 million scam probe

The holiday giant First Choice has reportedly sacked two of its senior engineering staff after discovering an alleged scam worth GBP6 million. According to The Times, the alleged scam related to dealings relating to the company’s charter airline, First Choice Airways, and its dealings with a company that supplies interior parts for aircraft. Goods worth GBP6 million are reportedly alleged to have been ordered and paid for but were not needed in the first place and were never delivered. The company is reported to be taking legal action against the supplier and has successfully applied to have several bank accounts frozen. The company reportedly told The Times that there was an investigation ongoing, but that it had “no repercussions for the wider group”. A statement for the company reportedly read: “Following the conclusion of our investigation, this matter is in the hands of our lawyers and we cannot make any specific comments about the actions. “We would, however, stress that the financial irregularities do not involve safety or operational areas of the business. They are not material in the context of First Choice Airways and will have no impact on the group’s financial performance as a whole.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd