A Dutch television film crew was arrested last Thursday at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after attempting to take what is being called a 'fake bomb' through security.
The alleged fake bomb was composed of a PVC pipe, wires, and a motor, according to law enforcement sources speaking to ABC News, though the crew's production house claims it was actually 'vacuum compression luggage. '
The arrests involved nine cast and crew members working on an upcoming series called "Staten Island Hustle" for Endemol Shine North America and Left Hook Media, according to a statement released by Endemol Shine.
You can watch the short news report by ABC News and see a picture of the 'fake bomb' from the TSA below:
Photo: TSA
In a statement given to NJ Advance Media, the company said the device wasn't a fake bomb, but rather a prototype for vacuum luggage able to accommodate a larger number of items than ordinary luggage:
Unfortunately, there appears to have been a misunderstanding, and we regret any inconvenience to TSA and other authorities on the ground for complications that may have been caused.
However, TSA officials allege that the crew attempted to sneak the contraption past security officials while secretly recording the incident for a TV episode, and that the vacuum luggage system had all the indicators of being an IED. According to NJ. com, all nine individuals have been charged with conspiracy, creating a false public alarm, and interference with transportation.
. dpreview.com2018-1-25 20:00