Airport raids tackle thieves over ticket fraud

Cyberthieves who used stolen credit cards to buy airline tickets have been targeted in a series of raids.

British Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday, that Europol co-ordinated the raids at airports, targeting people who were trying to travel using a fraudulently bought ticket. In total, 118 people were arrested at 80 airports in 45 countries during the raids.

Airlines lose more than $1bn (£640m) a year to the trade in fraudulent tickets, said Europol.

“Airlines are fighting credit card fraud on their ticket sales on daily basis,” said Meta Backman from the European airline fraud prevention group in a statement. “It is clear to the airlines that they are up against organised crime in this fight.”

Europol said the raids marked the start of an initiative called Global Airport Action, which will build on the links forged between police forces, airlines and credit card companies in preparation for the raids.