The publication of newly unsealed state indictments detailing bribery and money laundering within Delta Air Lines' cargo operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport follows investigative reporting by New York Airport News that first raised questions about misconduct months earlier. In November 2025, the outlet published an article detailing unresolved questions surrounding the departure of former Delta Cargo executive Mike Rizzo and the alleged influence of an intermediary figure sources called "Dr. Ray." The full investigative article, along with the original November report, is available at https://newyorkairportnews.com.
In December, the New York Attorney General announced indictments describing a multi-year scheme involving Delta cargo vendors at JFK. The legal filings outlined how bribes were allegedly disguised as consulting fees, rent, and fabricated invoices, and referenced an unnamed "Delta employee" with authority over cargo contracts. The indictments did identify Ray Kayume, aligning with earlier reporting that described "Dr. Ray" as an intermediary operating in cargo contracting circles. One vendor tied to the case agreed to forfeit one million dollars.
The newly published follow-up report from New York Airport News connects these indictments to its earlier reporting, raising questions about whether the unnamed Delta employee referenced by prosecutors is the same former executive previously reported on by the outlet. The article also examines whether cooperation with law enforcement may explain the absence of charges to date against certain individuals.
Beyond specific individuals, the report examines broader accountability issues facing Delta Air Lines as a publicly traded company. It explores how alleged corruption tied to a major international cargo hub could persist for years without public disclosure or apparent internal intervention. While no allegation has been made that senior leadership, including CEO Ed Bastian, had knowledge of or involvement in the alleged schemes, the article details why shareholders and industry observers are now asking questions about oversight, compliance, and governance risk.
The developments highlight the role of investigative journalism in uncovering systemic issues within critical infrastructure. New York Airport News has consistently reported on airport governance, contracting, and accountability issues affecting major U.S. airports, often months or years before official actions brought those issues into the public record. The case underscores the vulnerability of complex supply chains and cargo operations to corruption, particularly at high-volume international hubs like JFK. With billions of dollars in goods moving through such facilities annually, effective oversight mechanisms are crucial for maintaining integrity in global trade networks. The indictments and preceding journalism together paint a picture of alleged systemic failures that allowed illicit activities to flourish within a critical node of international commerce.
