Techno DJ jailed after selling 60,000 fake plane parts to major airlines
Popular Science
by Andrew PaulFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former techno DJ, Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, has been sentenced to 56 months in prison for selling over 60,000 fake airplane parts to major airlines worldwide. Using a shell company called AOG Technics, he forged safety certifications for unlicensed engine components, targeting popular engines like the CFM56, which powers Boeing and Airbus planes. His operation spanned four years, generating $9.3 million in fraudulent sales to companies like American Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. The scam was uncovered in 2023 when TAP Air Portugal questioned a purchase from AOG, leading international aviation authorities to ground affected flights and disrupt global travel.
Zamora’s scheme involved creating fake employee aliases to maintain the appearance of legitimacy. He manipulated genuine safety documents to attach them to substandard parts, which were then sold as authentic. Between 2019 and 2023, he exploited the trust of airlines and manufacturers by mimicking legitimate suppliers, including Safran, a reputable French equipment manufacturer. His actions not only posed a significant risk to public safety but also eroded confidence in the aviation industry’s supply chain.
The fraud campaign, valued at nearly $53 million, highlights the potential for catastrophic consequences when counterfeit parts enter critical systems like aircraft engines. The case has drawn attention from law enforcement and aviation experts, who view it as an audacious breach of trust in the global aerospace sector. This incident underscores the need for stronger safeguards and verification processes to prevent similar fraud in the future.
From a scientific perspective, this case raises concerns about the integrity of supply chains in highly regulated industries like aviation. The ability to manipulate certifications and bypass safety checks demonstrates vulnerabilities in existing systems. As technology advances, ensuring the authenticity of components becomes increasingly crucial to maintaining public safety and trust in global infrastructure. This story serves as a caution
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Originally published on Popular Science on 2/24/2026