Police charge eight people over theft of electronic devices from Brisbane Airport

Eight people are expected to face Brisbane Magistrate’s Court today (15 July, 2022) charged over the theft and distribution of multiple electronic devices allegedly stolen from air freight flights at Brisbane Airport.

Between February and November 2021, the AFP Aviation Crime Targeting Team Brisbane (ACTT) received reports from Australian Border Force (ABF) that pilfered packages had been found in the Security Restricted Area of the airport.

Investigations revealed a 41-year-old Bracken Ridge man and 40-year-old Deception Bay man, who were both freight handling employees, had allegedly used their access to the restricted area to steal multiple iPhones, iPads, Samsung mobile phones and phone accessories from freight packages over the nine-month period.

The two men allegedly involved other family members and associates to sell the devices for cash and drugs.

In March 2022, the men were arrested and each charged with:

  • One count of theft in the course of post contrary to section 471.1(1) and 11.2A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
  • Dealing with property reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime contrary to section 400.9 (1A) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for these offences is 10 years’ imprisonment. Further charges are pending on both men, and one other receiver of goods.

Airport Police Commander Brisbane Airport Superintendent Mark Colbran said trusted insiders who abused their employment and security credentials were a key focus for investigators seeking to stamp out crime in secure areas.

“The AFP will continue to work closely with our partners to stop those who act in their own self-interest to the detriment of their employers,” Superintendent Colbran said.

“I urge the public and those working at ports who hear or see anything suspicious, whether it’s an employee or your employer, to report it to the AFP by calling 131 AFP.”

Investigators have also charged six other people for their alleged involvement in receiving items stolen from the airport.

The four women and two men have all been charged with the same offence of receiving goods stolen in the course of post contrary to section 471.2(1) and 11.2A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for these offences is 10 years’ imprisonment.

The alleged offenders include a 51-year-old Morayfield woman; a 39-year-old Munruben woman; a 37-year-old Deception Bay woman; a 32-year-old Clontarf woman; a 44-year-old New Farm man; and a 38-year-old Caboolture South man.

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