A cleaner stole in-flight alcohol and gift sets from a Heathrow warehouse to sell on eBay.
Eduard Caia, who worked for catering company Alpha LSG, was tracked down by the firm’s security boss.
When police raided the 28-year-old’s home in Hounslow they discovered an “astounding” stash of goods.
Pc Tom Blair, who led the investigation, said: “After arresting Caia at his workplace, we went to his home where we found an astounding amount of stolen drinks and amenity kits literally stacked floor to ceiling.” He added that Caia had stowed alcohol in the wardrobes and amenity kits in his shed.
“We also found £1,700 cash squirrelled away in one of his bedroom drawers, which we seized as we suspected it was proceeds from crime.” An audit confirmed Caia stole almost £15,000 of products including 1,700 amenity kits, 700 bottles and cans of alcohol and pyjamas and slippers.
Officers found he racked up £10,000 from about 330 sales between October 2016 and October 2017. Pc Blair added that Caia was set to make more money “but he didn’t count on the tight-knit relationship of the airlines, his own employers and the police”.
Caia admitted one count of theft and one count of acquiring criminal property at Isleworth crown court and was sentenced yesterday to 21 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. Officers will attempt to recover his profits.
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