Overview
- Investigators arrested three baggage handlers after seizing about 370 items with an estimated value of €300,000 in a probe led by the Air Border Police and the Procura di Busto Arsizio.
- Prosecutors allege the suspects formed an organized group that selected promising suitcases in the hold, acted without leaving obvious traces, and removed branded bags, clothing and other luxury items.
- The accused placed stolen goods into a 'common patrimony' that was sold online or to fences, with proceeds reportedly split among participants.
- The three workers were employees of HBS, a contractor that handles baggage sorting at Malpensa, and SEA, the airport operator, provided CCTV and monitoring data to investigators.
- The probe remains active and has been hampered because many victims, often traveling to Southeast Asia, noticed losses only after landing and did not file timely complaints, a factor that could affect evidence and wider legal or administrative outcomes.