Flight attendant wrapped designer goods around her body to smuggle them
A Thai flight attendant was found carrying luxury goods from Italy to avoid paying taxes.
A Thai Airways international flight attendant has been arrested for allegedly smuggling luxury goods from Italy, Thai customs officials said.
According to TV 3, items such as handbags and belts from major brands were found hidden in the flight attendant's clothes.
Bangkok Post, September 7 quoted Mr. Sutheerat Siripalanon, the airline's in-flight service director, as saying that the company has a policy prohibiting employees from smuggling illegal goods and carrying products exceeding the permitted level with the intention of avoiding import taxes.
The airline closely monitors suspicious behavior of its employees and informs customs officials to arrest offending employees, Mr. Sutheerat said.
Following a tip-off, customs arrested a flight attendant who was carrying excess cargo to avoid paying duties. She had been serving on a Thai Airways flight from Italy.
Thai Airways is preparing to take disciplinary action against the employee who violated the rules. It is likely that the flight attendant will face the most severe punishment, which is dismissal.
