ABC interviewed a
convicted TSA security officer who says it was “common” and “easy” to
steal from passengers’ luggage, and that TSA didn’t really care.
A convicted TSA security officer says he was part of a “culture” of
indifference that allowed corrupt employees to prey on passengers’
luggage and personal belongings with impunity, thanks to lax oversight
and tip-offs from TSA colleagues.”It was very commonplace, very,” said
Pythias Brown, a former TSA officer at Newark Liberty International
Airport in New Jersey who admits he stole more than $800,000 worth of
items from luggage and security checkpoints over a four-year period.
“It was very convenient to steal,” he said.
Assigned to screen luggage behind the ticket counters,
Brown said he often worked alone, was told when overhead surveillance
cameras to prevent theft were not working, and was never asked about
suspicious behavior.
“It was so easy,” said Brown, “I walked right out of the checkpoint with a Nintendo Wii in my hand. Nobody said a word.”
He said he soon learned how to read the X-ray scans to find the most valuable items to steal.
The article mentions that he was able to get cameras, laptops and
video games, and could easily tell what the best pickings were just from
the x-ray. I’m wondering who would put a camera or even a video game –
let alone a laptop! – in their checked luggage?
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