Heathrow workers suspended over alleged airport security scam

HUNDREDS of workers at London’s Heathrow Airport have been suspended after UK police uncovered an alleged security scam.

UK police are investigating alleged airside security pass fraud operating at London’s Heathrow Airport. Picture: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

THREE hundred staff members have been suspended from a catering company at Heathrow Airport following an alleged security scam.

Catering company Sodexo suspended the workers following an alleged airside security pass fraud, according to The Sun.

Police are investigating the scam and have arrested two young women, aged 20 and 24, who are thought to be airport workers.

Scotland Yard said it would not reveal the details of the scam, but said it was not to do with cloning or illegal sale.

It is thought passes are issued to many of the 70,000 workers employed on the airport’s airside.

Three hundred staffers have been suspended in light of the allegations. Picture: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Flight crews, baggage handlers, shop and restaurant staff, hangar and ramp workers, cargo and security employees all receive permanent and temporary passes.

Holders are subjected to strict vetting processes.

Kevin Hurley, the former head of counter-terrorism at the City of London Police, told Sky News: “It could be used to get close up to some of the high-value cargo areas and of course we have already had the Brink’s Mat saga here once before.

“Billions go through this airport every year. But the real issue is the threat in terms of airport security; this is a potential serious breach for Heathrow Airport.”

Airport security has emerged as a global concern. Picture: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

It is thought lax airport security was to blame for a bomb making its way onto a Russian airliner flying from Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt last year.

Tensions remain high across Europe in the wake of a string of attacks across Europe, including the Nice attacks in which 84 died.

A representative for Heathrow said: “We can’t comment on the specifics of an ongoing police investigation.

“Our top priority is the security and safety of our passengers and colleagues and we have taken appropriate action until the investigation is completed.”

The Department of Transport said: “We are aware of this issue. Safety and security of our passengers is our top priority.

Scotland Yard is investigating the allegations.

“We keep aviation security under constant review, but as this matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation we are unable to comment further at this time.”

Scotland Yard arrested two women, who have been bailed until November.

A spokesman said: “They have been arrested in relation to an allegation that money has been fraudulently taken from a bank account.

“Other matters have come to light during the inquiries and form part of the ongoing investigation.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.