Shocking find in Brisbane airport rubbish bin as staff charged
Australian Federal Police have busted open an alleged freight theft ring operating out of Brisbane airport.
Eight people are facing charges over the heist which ended when pilfered packages were found in bins in a Security Restricted Area of the airport.
It’s believed two freight handling employees nabbed multiple packages containing electronic devices from air freight flights over a nine month period ending in November 2021.
The 41-year man from Bracken Bridge and the 40 year-old Deception Bay man are accused of using their access to the restricted area to seal iPhones, an iPad, Samsung mobile phones and phone accessories.
Police allege that they then used family members and associates to sell the devices for cash and drugs.
The pair was arrested in March and charged with theft and dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, while further charges are expected to be laid.
They could face up to 10 years behind bars if found guilty along with six others caught up in the theft ring.
Two other men and four women, aged between 32 and 51, are facing charges for their alleged involvement in receiving items stolen from the airport.
The charges follow a police crackdown on “trusted insiders who abused their employment and security credentials” in a bid to “stamp out crime in secure areas.”
“The AFP will continue to work closely with our partners to stop those who act in their own self-interest to the detriment of their employers,” Superintendent Mark Colbran, Airport Police Commander at Brisbane Airport said.
He is urging the community to keep its eyes open for dodgy behaviour.
“I urge the public and those working at ports who hear or see anything suspicious, whether it’s an employee or your employer, to report it to the AFP by calling 131 AFP.”
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