Police Investigate Heathrow Security Pass Scam

The authorities are investigating whether the fraud charges against two women believed to be employees at LHR are connected to a wider scam involving the sale of airside passes.

Police are investigating a possible security breach at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) after two people were detained and charged on suspicion of fraudulent activity and money laundering earlier this month. It is thought that these activities may be linked to a scam involving the sale of airside passes.

The Telegraph has reported that the two women, aged 20 and 24, are believed to be workers at LHR. They were held by police on 3 August after money was withdrawn from a bank account, but the two have since been bailed and are expected to report to police once more in November.

Sky News has reported that London’s Metropolitan Police has declined to make public the full details of the investigation, but it is known that the authorities conducted a search of a property in the English county of Surrey in connection with the two charges.

At present, there is no evidence that any passes have been sold and the authorities did not find any evidence of terror-related activity during their search.

These airside passes are issued to LHR staff and allow key workers intimate access to some of the airport’s most secure areas.

Speaking to the International Business Times, Kevin Hurley, former head of counter-terrorism at the City of London Police, commented on the situation, saying that these passes, “…could be used to get close up to some of the high-value cargo areas…the real issue is the threat in terms of airport security; this is a potential serious breach for Heathrow Airport.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the initial allegations of fraud against the two women, but added that, “…Other matters have come to light during the enquiries and form part of the ongoing investigation.”

A spokesperson for LHR said that the airport, “…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.”

[Photo: Londonlogue]