London: A former techno DJ in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison in a major global aviation fraud case involving counterfeit aircraft parts and forged airworthiness certificates.
The accused, Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, was convicted after admitting fraud charges at Southwark Crown Court.
Investigators said Yrala operated a large-scale fraud network between 2019 and July 2023 through his company AOG Technics, which functioned from a small office in Surrey.
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Estimated Financial Loss (Converted to Indian Rupees)
Total fraudulent business value: about ₹420 crore
Value of suspicious aircraft parts sold: approximately ₹72 crore
Overall airline losses: nearly ₹413 crore
Loss to Ethiopian Airlines: around ₹12 crore
Damage caused after finding suspicious components in 28 engines of American Airlines: about ₹221 crore
Forged Certificates and Deception
The investigation revealed that the accused used his personal computer to create forged airworthiness certificates. Authentic manufacturer documents were digitally edited to make aircraft parts appear certified, and fake quality control personnel identities were used to send fraudulent emails.
The fraud primarily targeted CFM56 engine components, which are widely used in aircraft manufactured by Airbus and Boeing. Another airline, Ryanair, later discovered counterfeit components in two of its aircraft following detailed technical inspections.
Originally a citizen of Venezuela, Yrala had been associated with the aviation supply industry since 2011. He founded his company in 2015 and managed operations alone after previously working as a techno music DJ.
Officials from the Serious Fraud Office, where operations director Emma Luxton praised the investigative team, said the fraud network posed a serious global public safety threat.
Industry and Safety Implications
Experts say the case highlights vulnerabilities in the aviation supply chain verification system, as forged certification documents can bypass safety checks. Aviation specialists have urged airlines and manufacturers to adopt stronger digital tracking and authentication technologies.
Authorities warned that counterfeit aircraft components can pose severe risks to flight safety. The case has triggered wider discussions across the global aviation industry about strengthening supply chain security mechanisms.
Investigators are continuing efforts to determine whether other individuals were involved in the international fraud network.
