2023/09/22 / Last updated : 2023/09/22 東京支店 blog

EXAMINER SWALLOWS STOLEN BANKNOTES AT MANILA AIRPORT BAGGAGE INSPECTION

An incident that recently took place at the Manila International Airport (NAIA) security checkpoint has resulted in the suspension of a security examiner who was found in possession of three $100 bills from a passenger’s luggage. The Ministry of Transport is currently conducting an investigation into this matter.

According to security camera (CCTV) footage obtained by the Transportation Security Office under the Manila Airport Authority (MIAA) on the 14th, a Chinese passenger placed his shoulder bag on a tray at the checkpoint at around 8:20 p.m. on the 8th. While the bag was being passed through a body scanner, one of the examiners was observed manually inspecting the bag in a separate area away from the X-ray machine conveyor.

After the examination, the examiner turned his back to the passenger and returned the bag. However, when the passenger noticed that his wallet was open and the money was missing, he approached the examiner. At that moment, the examiner turned away, covered his mouth with a handkerchief, and discreetly ingested a small folded dollar bill. This entire incident was captured on another CCTV camera.

In March of this year, due to theft incidents arising in the security area of the airport, the uniforms of the personnel in charge were changed to ones without pockets. The incident is still being investigated.