Authorities warn about a new form of crime emerging at Budapest Airport
Budapest Airport is constantly working on improving security. With cutting-edge measures like body cameras for ground handlers and a near-total surveillance network, the airport is addressing rising crime trends, from theft in duty-free shops to smuggling, while ensuring a safer travel experience.
Thefts at Budapest Airport
As Infostart reports, Budapest Airport, serving 15-16 million passengers annually and managing around 200,000 tonnes of cargo, requires a robust security and cleaning presence to ensure smooth operations. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Balázs Bráda, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation at the Airport Police Directorate (RRI), the team handles 500-600 criminal cases each year, primarily theft and property crimes. While baggage theft was previously a major concern, theft from duty-free shops in transit areas is now on the rise. Recent initiatives, including the introduction of body cameras, aim to address these challenges and high-profile incidents such as the mysterious case of stolen gold bars. Balázs Bráda added:
There are now travelling criminals: they buy the cheapest airline tickets and visit up to two or three airports in a day to “loot” duty-free shops.
Combating crime with cameras
Budapest Airport has established itself as a leader in airport security through innovative measures and advanced surveillance systems. With 90-95% of its premises monitored by 1,000-1,500 cameras, the airport boasts a near-perfect detection rate. Common theft targets, such as perfumes and sunglasses, often result in damages of up to HUF 1.5 million (EUR 3,646). To tackle baggage theft, Budapest Airport implemented a pioneering initiative requiring ground handlers to wear body cameras, a first among international airports. This system, operational since February, has significantly enhanced security. In 2024, only eight luggage search cases were reported, with surveillance clearing five incidents and identifying suspects in the remaining three.
Other forms of crime
Beyond theft, the airport faces offences linked to illegal migration, such as document forgery and human smuggling, though Budapest Airport’s skilled passport control has deterred such attempts. Other common issues include hooliganism, often involving intoxicated tourists, and drug-related crimes ranging from festival-goers inadvertently carrying substances to deliberate smuggling. Additionally, unauthorised attempts to breach security zones have been effectively thwarted by vigilant armed guards.
The story of the missing gold bars
Budapest Airport recently highlighted a significant success in solving a high-profile theft case involving missing cash and gold bars reported by a Chinese passenger. Initially met with scepticism, X-rays confirmed the valuables had been in the luggage. Through extensive data collection and investigation, the stolen gold bars were recovered, and the perpetrators were identified. The theft occurred in the aircraft’s luggage compartment before the implementation of body cameras.
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The real theft is the prices of anything at those airports. I’m sure they can handle a few shoplifters when they charge you 3 times the normal price of a product and don’t even pay VAT on it.