Arrest over alleged fake plane parts scam
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said its investigators carried out a dawn raid at a site in London used by AOG Technics.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fraud investigators have launched an investigation into a company suspected of supplying fake aircraft parts used by airlines across the world.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said its investigators carried out a dawn raid at a site in London used by AOG Technics and arrested one person who remains in custody.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and its counterparts in the EU and the US issued alerts earlier this year warning aviation businesses about unapproved parts sold by the company.
This investigation deals with very serious allegations
AOG Technics mostly sold to overseas companies that install airline parts but some UK airlines were also affected, the SFO said.
It added that “some planes have been grounded in the UK and the US”.
A spokesman for travel firm Tui confirmed an engine component supplied by AOG Technics on an aircraft the group’s airlines were sent for leasing was “identified and quickly removed” before the plane entered service.
Other affected airlines include Ryanair, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, TAP and Virgin Australia Airlines.
SFO director Nick Ephgrave said: “This investigation deals with very serious allegations of fraud involving the supply of aircraft parts, the consequences of which are potentially far-reaching.
“The SFO is best placed to take this investigation forward vigorously and we are determined to establish the facts as swiftly as possible.”
The SFO said it is working closely with the CAA and other regulators as part of the inquiry.