Delta Air Lines Employee Charged With Theft After Stolen Airline Property Appears On eBay

A Delta Air Lines employee was a bit too sloppy after listing items he stole from his employer–valued at over $106,000–on eBay. When arrested, he not only inadvertently confessed to the crime, but had left mounds of incriminating evidence in his home and vehicle.

Delta Air Lines Minneapolis Employee Caught With Stolen Goods After Sloppy eBay Sales

Ahmad Ali Harfoush, 40, worked as a shop equipment technician at Delta’s Minneapolis (MSP) hub. His job gave him access to valuable Delta inventory including gifts intended for employees and equipment.

On May 13, 2024, Harfoush was arrested at work. Investigators then found $49,852.31 worth of Delta property at his home and another $5,422.78 worth of property in his vehicle. Investigators–aided by Delta–had already found he sold goods worth an estimated $106,390.70 on eBay. Packaging materials and shipping labels were also found in his car.

Harfoush then confessed to his guilt in a (recorded…of course) phone call to his fiancé while in custody:

“It started as something simple, and then I just got greedy… I need treatment for this… theft. Like, what the f*** am I thinking?”

Yeah, you might want to consider another man, dear…

Not only did Harfoush steal items, but he used his work computer to manage the eBay sales, then sent earnings into his personal bank account. The thefts began in June 2023 and it took Delta’s corporate security team nearly a year to begin investigating. Delta found the eBay site, linked the items to Harfoush, then notified the police.

He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison in addition to $100,000 fine for each of the two charges of felony theft.

Crime doesn’t pay…

image: Delta // hat tip: PYOK