DHL executives sacked after huge UK theft operation discovered

DHL Global Forwarding has sacked UK Regional Director David Stroud and Import Manager Lee Cook after it was revealed that its warehouse at London Heathrow had been subject to organised and major theft operations by its own staff.

In addition, UK airfreight director Mark Wardman has resigned from his position in unexplained circumstances, although Air Cargo News has learned that this is entirely unconnected to the theft investigation.

It is believed that a number of other staff have been suspended as the theft investigation continues.

UK chief executive officer for DHL GF, Steve Barker, confirmed to Air Cargo News that he had sacked Stroud and Cook, but surprisingly also revealed that they were “not directly implicated” in the thefts. Barker also stated that the investigation was in the hands of the police and could not comment further on the likelihood of prosecutions or further sackings. He added that no security managers or staff had yet been disciplined and confirmed that Wardman’s resignation was not connected to the investigation.

The fact that DHL now has a policy of holding to account and sacking senior managers and executives if there is evidence of warehouse theft, even if they have no direct involvement, will send shockwaves through the company and the industry at large.

Air Cargo News believes that the large-scale organised theft involved stealing imported goods from a section of the warehouse and subsequently selling the goods on internet auction websites.

 

 

 

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