Nine Rome airport cab drivers probed for fraud

(ANSA) - Rome, February 5 - Nine Roman taxi drivers are under investigation, accused of developing a fraudulent system that allowed them to acquire priority over other drivers in obtaining passengers from Fiumicino airport, border police said Friday.
    The investigation stemmed from a police report that was filed by a passenger who was abandoned by a taxi driver on the highway. She was left on the highway with her luggage after asking the driver to follow city regulations by turning on his fare meter.
    Investigators said the drivers under investigation used electronic transponders to manipulate the system that manages the order in which drivers can pick up passengers at the airport, allowing them to pick up more passengers than they would have been able to otherwise.
    They said the drivers also had a small remote control device that allowed them to manipulate their fare meters to change the cost of rides.
    Police are still investigating for other suspects who may have been involved.