Tenerife Airport Workers Arrested in €2 Million Luggage Theft Ring

The suspects allegedly stole valuables from checked-in luggage and sold them in local stores and online, leading to an increase in passenger complaints.

14 workers at Tenerife South airport in Spain's Canary Islands were arrested on suspicion of stealing items from checked-in luggage, with another 20 under investigation.
Police seized stolen items worth almost €2 million ($2.2 million), including around €13,000 ($14,000) in cash, 29 luxury watches, 120 items of jewelry, and 22 high-end cellphones and electronic devices.
The thefts reportedly occurred as baggage was being placed in the aircrafts’ hold, where the alleged thieves forced open suitcases, took out valuables and shut them again.
It is believed that the stolen items were sold online or in local stores, with 27 jewelry stores in Tenerife also under investigation.
The investigation began after an increase in passenger complaints about items missing from their luggage.

South China Morning Post