It must be tempting to be a TSA screener, seeing bags full of expensive goodies going through your scanner and knowing how easy it would be to make those bags disappear. Two TSA agents at JFK Airport in NYC gave into that temptation, swiping at least $160,000 from travelers.

The two thieves were caught earlier today when they were arrested for the Jan. 30 theft of $39,000 from a single passenger’s bag. Police say they have subsequently fessed up to $160,000 worth of stolen cash.

From the NY Daily News:

The source said the agents worked in tandem. One would watch for money as the bags were screened, then notify the other about the loot. One would swipe the money once the luggage was placed in a baggage room.

The TSA agents were charged with grand larceny, possession of stolen property and official misconduct.

OTHER AIRPORT A-HOLES:
Over in New Jersey, the supervisor of the Newark International Airport TSA screener caught stealing thousands from travelers has admitted to accepting bribes and kickbacks from that thief.

The supervisor is accused of accepting kickbacks to look the other way as the screener stole between $10,000 and $30,000 in cash from travelers’ bags over a 13-month period.

ONE LAST ONE:
This one isn’t TSA-related, but it does involve a scam related to Newark Airport. Remember the Continental employee accused of using stolen vouchers to run a Ponzi scam? She has entered a guilty plea to charges of wire fraud.

She now faces up to 20 years in prison and must pay restitution.

Two TSA agents arrested at JFK Airport for stealing $39K from passenger’s bag [NY Daily News]
Newark airport security screener admits stealing from passengers, accepting bribes, kickbacks [NJ.com]
Ex NJ airline agent pleads guilty in NY to fraud [Daily Record]

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