A former US based airline manager for Air China has been caught up in the murky world of international smuggling.
Ying Lin, 46, who worked as a Newark Airport station manager at Air China, is accused of smuggling packages onto flights to China on behalf of the Chinese Military.
In return she was allegedly paid in duty-free gifts including Apple devices and expensive liquor.
Prosecutors also allege she obstructed justice by helping a Chinese national flee the US to escape possible prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Robert Capers said in a statement Lin ‘repeatedly acted in direct contravention of rules and regulations providing for the safety of flights in the United States in order to reap personal benefits such as free contracting work and tax-free liquor and electronics.’
Lin is facing multiple charges including smuggling, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice.
Air China said it had been cooperating with investigations and confirmed Lin was no longer employed by the airline.
