WASHINGTON, D.C. — British Airways and Iberia Airlines will pay $5.8 million to settle charges by the federal government that the airlines incorrectly reported internationally transported U.S. mail delivery times, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ charges British Airways and Iberia revealed incorrect times at which U.S. mail was transferred to foreign postal officials and recipients relating to their contracts with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
“Government contractors, whether foreign or domestic, are required to obey the rules when billing the United States,” DOJ Civil Division assistant attorney general Joseph Hunt said in a statement. “The Department of Justice will ensure that government contractors meet their obligations and charge the government appropriately.”
"The U.S. Postal Service contracts with commercial airlines for the safeguarding and timely delivery of U.S. mail to foreign posts, including the mail sent to our soldiers deployed to foreign operating bases and other locations," added Seven Suller, USPS Office of the Inspector General acting special agent in charge. "The Office of Inspector General supports the Postal Service by aggressively investigating allegations of misconduct within the contract mail delivery process; in this case the falsification of delivery information.
"We worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Justice's Civil Division to help ensure a reasonable resolution and to hold those parties accountable for their actions. We applaud the exceptional work by the investigative and legal team and know it will have a positive impact on Postal Service operations."