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British Airways is taking legal action against a ground-handling company over the disappearance of nearly 20 pounds of gold jewelry worth millions. The airline claims Ground Services International (GSI), owned by the Emirati company dnata, is responsible for the theft that occurred during a flight in July 2023.
The jewelry was part of a valuable shipment entrusted to British Airways by Al-Arefi Jewelry, a Bahraini company, to be transported from Bahrain to Chicago. But when the flight landed at O'Hare International Airport, the precious cargo was nowhere to be found.
In response, British Airways filed a lawsuit in a Chicago court last October, seeking over $1.2 million in compensation. The lawsuit alleges that GSI, which provides ground-handling services at several U.S. airports, failed to safeguard the jewelry and that two of its employees have already been prosecuted in connection with the theft.
This theft added to the legal troubles for British Airways, as Al-Arefi Jewelry had already won a judgment in Bahrain requiring the airline to pay 153,000 dinars, roughly $406,000. The jewelry company took legal action after the missing gold was reported, and BA requested compensation from GSI. When GSI refused, British Airways moved forward with its lawsuit.
British Airways is now seeking to recover the Bahraini court's judgment, as well as over $700,000 in consequential losses, along with more than $100,000 in legal fees. A settlement conference is scheduled for February 11, as noted in court documents.
While dnata, the parent company of GSI, declined to comment on the ongoing case, a spokesperson emphasized their commitment to ethical practices and compliance with laws and regulations. However, the airline’s lawsuit highlights the serious concerns regarding the handling of valuable cargo and the potential consequences of such breaches in security.
With tensions rising, all eyes will be on the upcoming settlement conference to see if British Airways and GSI can reach a resolution—or if the legal battle will continue.
*Source: Business Insider
