Airport Security Officer Caught on Camera Swallowing Stolen Cash from Passenger’s Wallet
A security officer at Manila’s international airport was captured on video consuming $300 (equivalent to RM1,406) stolen from a passenger’s wallet.
Surveillance footage from an airport security camera revealed that the officer, named Irency Morados, ingested $300 worth of bills.
Subsequently, she was observed drinking from a water bottle given to her by body scan operator Regino Allen.
Her supervisor, Abraham de Luna, could be seen conversing with her while she seemed to be choking on the swallowed bills and covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
This incident occurred on September 8th.
A report from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) indicated that the money was taken from a passenger’s wallet. The passenger had handed over his shoulder bag to Morados before undergoing a full-body scan.
However, the passenger realized that his wallet was open, with money missing, and confronted individuals in the screening area.
At that point, Morados turned away and began swallowing the bills to “avoid getting caught,” according to the OTS report.
Unbeknownst to her, she had turned toward a security camera while stuffing the money into her mouth.
The OTS suspected that her supervisor was involved in the scheme, as he was observed approaching Morados, seemingly to ensure that the bills were disposed of to eliminate any evidence.
Philippine airport authorities have ordered that charges be filed against Morados.
Transportation Minister Jaime Bautista has stated that he is seeking the “maximum penalty” for Morados.
This marks the third high-profile theft incident at Manila’s airport in 2023. Earlier in the year, airport security personnel were caught stealing money from a Thai tourist. Five days later, another screening officer was arrested for stealing a Chinese passenger’s watch.
In response to these thefts, the OTS directed its personnel to cease wearing jackets and remove pockets from their uniforms.
You can view the video of the latest theft below.