Jail for Emirates Airline worker who stole from passengers

Emirates Airlines worker who stole the belongings left behind by passengers is sentenced to six months in prison.

DUBAI // An Emirates Airline technician who stole items left behind by passengers has been sentenced to six months in prison.

ND, 60, from the Philippines, was employed to check planes’ entertainment devices between flights, but abused his position by searching for and stealing items passengers had forgotten.

On September 2 this year a cleaner noticed him opening a wallet and taking out the money before discarding it under a seat. The cleaner reported the incident and the man was arrested.

Police searched him and found an iPod, US$50 and some African currency, all of which he admitted stealing that day.

Officers then searched his house and found scores of stolen items including expensive perfumes, sunglasses, purses and cameras. They also found currencies from Bahrain, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China, Oman, India, Thailand, Philippines, and the US.

At the Criminal Court he admitted a charge of theft. He will be deported after completing his jail term.