A major security incident at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport was triggered by … Aeroplan points fraud.
Authorities discovered that a man trying to board a flight was technically already listed on another flight.
What actually happened:
A 27-year-old passenger on a flight from Brussels to Montreal had allegedly stolen someone else’s identity.
The goal was reportedly to access and steal Aeroplan points.
This type of loyalty program fraud is becoming more common in Canada.
Because of the identity mismatch, security treated it as a potential national security threat.
The response escalated quickly:
- NORAD was activated
- Two CF-18 fighter jets escorted the plane into Montreal
- The passenger was arrested after landing
In the end:
- No actual threat was found
- The suspect was released without charges (for now)
Takeaway for Aeroplan members:
Points fraud is real and increasing, make sure your accounts are secured (strong passwords, 2FA, etc.)
Pretty crazy that something involving points ended up triggering fighter jet escorts…
Fighter jets escort Montreal-bound flights after ‘security incident’; 2 men arrested
Authorities discovered that a man trying to board a flight was technically already listed on another flight.
What actually happened:
A 27-year-old passenger on a flight from Brussels to Montreal had allegedly stolen someone else’s identity.
The goal was reportedly to access and steal Aeroplan points.
This type of loyalty program fraud is becoming more common in Canada.
Because of the identity mismatch, security treated it as a potential national security threat.
The response escalated quickly:
- NORAD was activated
- Two CF-18 fighter jets escorted the plane into Montreal
- The passenger was arrested after landing
In the end:
- No actual threat was found
- The suspect was released without charges (for now)
Takeaway for Aeroplan members:
Points fraud is real and increasing, make sure your accounts are secured (strong passwords, 2FA, etc.)
Pretty crazy that something involving points ended up triggering fighter jet escorts…
Fighter jets escort Montreal-bound flights after ‘security incident’; 2 men arrested
