Baggage handlers and airport security guards working for Indonesian carrier Lion Air have been busted for passenger bag thefts at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
The four Lion Air employees were arrested following a customer complaint in November.
After the complaint was made, airport operator Angkasa Pura II set up CCTV monitors in the baggage handling area of the airport and recorded a group of baggage handlers stealing from luggage.
One baggage handler said thefts were facilitated by Lion Air security guards who gave the all-clear for thefts to take place in exchange for a share of stolen items.
"They opened the passengers’ luggage and took the belongings in the airplane’s hull," said Jakarta Police spokesman Mohamamd Iqbal.
Lion Air is working with airport authorities over the thefts and has launched its own internal investigation.
Airport operator Angkasa Pura II plans to install more CCTV throughout the airport, senior general manager Zulfahmi said.
An aviation expert also said the incident highlights potentially serious security and safety threats to the aviation industry.
"If air carrier workers can steal something from a passenger’s bag, then it’s fair to assume that they can also put something into the bag which is a terrifying thought and could be disastrous for the industry," said consultant Alvin Lie.
"Airline workers are screened at a special gate as they enter the airport. If they can bring something in or out freely that’s very dangerous," Alvin said.
