http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23755536-5006009,00.html By Janet Fife-Yeomans The Daily Telegraph May 26, 2008 A MAN was able to walk past customs and immigration counters to farewell a friend at the departure gate in a major security breach at Sydney International Airport. It was was only when he realised his mistake and tried to go back that the security breach was discovered. The Australian Customs Services has launched an investigation into the latest security embarrassment at the country's busiest airport - and may lay criminal charges against the man. Angry unions said they were not surprised at the gaping security flaw, which they said threatened the safety of all passengers and airline workers. The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the man's friend had checked in for his flight and gone through customs and security to wait at the departure gate on Sunday May 18 at about 10am. "Not long after, the friend decided he wanted to see the gentleman who was flying one last time," a source said. "He strolled through the doors to customs, walked straight by the customs counters - unchallenged by the agents manning the desks - cleared security (who were not to know he wasn't flying), then proceeded to the gate lounge where his passenger friend was waiting." A Customs spokesman confirmed the breach but said the man had gone through full security screening. "The circumstances under which he was not processed through the outward customs area are still being examined," the spokesman said. "But he was subject to the full aviation screening processed." The man may be charged under section 234 of the Customs Act, which covers the unauthorised entry to a customs-controlled area. Transport Workers Union national secretary Tony Sheldon said that someone so easily by-passing customs did not say a lot for airport security. He said it was an example of a problem across the count _______________________________________________ Attend Black Hat USA, August 2-7 in Las Vegas, the world's premier technical event for ICT security experts. Featuring 40 hands-on training courses and 80 Briefings presentations with lots of new content and new tools. Network with 4,000 delegates from 50 nations. Visit product displays by 30 top sponsors in a relaxed setting. http://www.blackhat.com
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