Botched Cargo Screening Results in $1 Million Fine

An air cargo company is facing a $1 million fine after a Transportation Security Administration investigation found they failed to screen cargo bound for passenger aircraft for explosives.

“When it comes to national security, there is no room for error, and we have no tolerance for shortcuts,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Hogsett. “This record-setting fine, and the important corrective actions taken by the company, underscore our dedication to ensuring the safety of all those who travel through America’s airports.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office says prior to Dec. 2010, employees working for then ActivAir, Inc. “engaged in a systemic pattern of record-keeping violations,” by reporting cargo had been screened even though it had not been 100 percent screened for explosives.

Three Indianapolis residents face federal charges in connection with the alleged faulty record keeping.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the men have each agreed to plead guilty to with conspiracy to commit federal reporting and recordkeeping violations.

Each man faces a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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