Airline Had Video Cameras Installed In Aircraft Luggage Holds

Seven contract baggage handlers have been accused of stealing valuables from the luggage holds of El Al airliners, and the airline says it has video that proves its case.

The New York Times reports that the airline had installed the video cameras after a steady stream of complaints were received from passengers at New York City's Kennedy Airport about missing items. The seven baggage handlers were caught on the video recordings going through luggage they were loading onto El Al 747s, which regularly fly between New York and Israel. The accused baggage handlers were seen taking cash, jewelry, cameras, wristwatches, and even computers and video games from the checked luggage.

Authorities say the seven admitted taking some of the items, which were found in their homes. All were arrested last Wednesday and arraigned. Two were released on their own recognizance and told to appear in court in the fall. The other five were held on $1,000 bond each.

The charges include third- and fourth-degree larceny, third-, fourth-, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fourth-degree criminal mischief, petty larceny and attempted petty larceny.

(El Al 747 pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/criminal/generalinfo.shtml?