The agent has scammed Delta on $ 1.75 million in frequent flyer miles, according to prosecutors

© Joe Raedle
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The managing partner of a small Chicago-based travel agency is accused of having conquered Delta for nearly $ 2 million in frequent flyer miles.

Gennady Podolsky, a 43-year-old Ukrainian-American dual citizen, was brought to court on Friday on charges of telegraphic fraud, the US District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

He was indicted on Wednesday by a federal grand jury for 12 counts of wire fraud.

Prosecutors said Podolsky had used trips from travel agency customers to manipulate the airline's corporate rewards program.

"He took advantage of his access to take advantage of Delta Airlines' loyalty program, illegally collecting millions of SkyBonus points worth more than $ 1.75 million," said Chris Hacker, FBI special agent for the United States. Atlanta office charge.

As part of the airline's SkyBonus program, companies can sign up and earn points every time their employees travel.

Podolsky is accused of planning to have Vega Travel customers register with a Fertility Treatment Center run by a family member on the grounds that all of the clients of the agency were commercial agents as part of Delta's SkyBonus program, prosecutors said.

He would then use these points to gain benefits such as free air travel.

"The fraudulent accumulation of frequent flyer miles in the travel industry may seem like a victimless crime, however, large companies may lose significant profits," Hacker said.

Prosecutors said the program was set up at least from March 2014 to April 2015. Podolsky is accused of defrauding Delta Air Lines on more than 42 million SkyBonus points.

E-mails addressed to two lawyers listed in the court documents as representing Podolsky were not immediately returned Friday evening.

Podolsky was the managing partner of Vega Travel and the main travel agent. Many of the company's customers lived abroad and were originally from Russia or Europe, prosecutors said.

Delta's head office is in Atlanta. An email contact for Vega Travel was not found immediately Friday night. His site seemed to be down.

Podolsky went on Thursday in front of FBI agents in Atlanta federal court. He was stopped. He deposited a $ 50,000 bond and was released, according to court records.