France

Baggage-handlers at Paris airport arrested for 450m euro thefts

Article published on the 2008-10-01 Latest update 2008-10-01 14:50 TU

Baggage handlers at CDG Airport, Paris
(Photo: AFP)

Some 12 baggage-handlers at Charles De Gaulle/Roissy airport in Paris have been arrested on suspicion of stealing goods from luggage worth 450,000 euros. This is the biggest sting operation against workers at the airport since 2004, according to airport officials.

Police swooped on the homes of the 12 baggage handlers at dawn on Tuesday, recovering computers, video-recorders, iPods, iPhones and jewellery, among the suspected booty found.

One baggage-handler was found with 80 pairs of designer shoes. Another worker was found in possession of a cellphone that was declared stolen by an Italian passenger who had landed at the airport.

All of the workers were employed by the Trac-piste company, although airport sources said that no members of the firm's management were involved.

The suspects had been selling the merchandise on the website eBay, according to the source.

Baggage theft at CDG airport is endemic. In 2007, 621 complaints were lodged in Terminal 2, an increase of 24 per cent since 2006.