Security at Birmingham Airport faced a severe threat when a contractor falsified training records to mask his failure in conducting mandatory staff refresher courses. Shoaib Iqbal, a 40-year-old employee of Mitie from Saltley, claimed he had merely delayed paperwork, but in truth, he had not administered essential training sessions for dozens of airport security staff.
In an attempt to cover his oversight, Iqbal forged 85 training certificates for 38 employees. This deception posed a significant risk to airport safety, with Birmingham Crown Court hearing that the breach could have led to “catastrophic consequences” and potentially forced the entire operation to shut down.
Iqbal, who has since resigned, pleaded guilty to making a false instrument intended to be accepted as genuine. On November 28, he was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for the same duration. As a subcontractor, Mitie is tasked with airport security responsibilities, including guarding and controlling access to airside areas.
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The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) prosecutor, Alison Slater, explained that security staff must undergo recurrent training every 13 months, complete enhanced background checks, pass examinations, and possess relevant operational experience. Training covers vital areas such as aviation threats, site patrols, baggage searches, and detection of prohibited items.
The issue surfaced in December 2022 following a whistleblower’s report concerning missing refresher training. Subsequent audits revealed incomplete records, prompting scrutiny of Iqbal’s actions. Initially, he attributed the paperwork errors to administrative negligence and printing delays, but discrepancies in handwriting and employees denying attendance raised serious alarms.
Two Mitie employees confirmed the forged signatures were not theirs, and they did not recall attending the alleged training sessions. A compliance officer investigating the case warned that such breaches could cripple airport operations and jeopardize safety.
Following the discovery, Iqbal resigned in February 2023 after criminal investigations commenced. His falsification affected 38 staff members, including eight supervisors guarding the airfield, undermining the integrity of the security system.
While there was no evidence of personal financial gain, the court noted Iqbal’s actions were an attempt to conceal his incompetence rather than a premeditated crime. His defense emphasized workload pressures, as he was responsible for training staff across multiple airports, including London, Belfast, and Cardiff. Iqbal expressed deep remorse and now dedicates his time to assisting homeless individuals.
In sentencing, Recorder Kevin Hegarty KC acknowledged no direct harm resulted but condemned the abuse of trust and manipulation of official documents. Iqbal was ordered to complete ten days of rehabilitation, 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay £750 in court costs.