Overview

• 14 workers at Tenerife South airport in Spain's Canary Islands were arrested on suspicion of stealing items from checked-in luggage, with another 20 under investigation.
• Police seized stolen items worth almost €2 million ($2.2 million), including around €13,000 ($14,000) in cash, 29 luxury watches, 120 items of jewelry, and 22 high-end cellphones and electronic devices.
• The thefts reportedly occurred as baggage was being placed in the aircrafts’ hold, where the alleged thieves forced open suitcases, took out valuables and shut them again.
• It is believed that the stolen items were sold online or in local stores, with 27 jewelry stores in Tenerife also under investigation.
• The investigation began after an increase in passenger complaints about items missing from their luggage.