$1M Settlement in Gennady Podolsky’s Delta SkyBonus Fraud Case (2024)

Gennady Podolsky took a managing partner position in a travel company. The party in question has agreed to repay Delta Air Lines with $1 million, and a date for payment has been established.

Following Gennady Podolsky’s admission of involvement in the unauthorized transmission of computer passwords related to Delta Air Lines’ SkyBonus program, a settlement was struck.

Chicago citizen Gennady Podolsky has acknowledged his involvement in the computer password trafficking operation, according to a CBS Atlanta story. The case was brought before the Northern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Gennady Podolsky became the managing partner and lead travel agent of a large Chicago-based company. He used fraudulent methods to create a false account under the identity RGI International SkyBonus points during this time.

Moreover, Gennady Podolsky gave one of his lieutenants permission to use the account, which allowed the unnamed associate to unlawfully access Delta’s SkyBonus computer system and book flights for Vega’s customers.

Gennady Podolsky enabled the password to be sent to the fake account of RGI International without authorization, which led to the illicit accrual of SkyBonus points to obtain event tickets.

As part of the plea agreement, Gennady Podolsky has agreed to pay $1 million to Delta in a settlement before the impending sentencing.

In addition, Gennady Podolsky has agreed to refrain from engaging in any business dealings with Delta or any of its subsidiaries.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak asserts that businesses and individuals who use travel firms put their trust in them to work in their best interests.

Gennady Podolsky betrayed the trust that was given to him by trafficking credentials associated with SkyBonus profiles belonging to Delta Air Lines without authorization. He obtained event tickets by fraudulently accruing Delta SkyBonus points through this illegal action.

Gennady Podolsky: Acknowledges Responsibilities in Case of Computer Password Trafficking

Vega International Travel Services, Inc. managing partner Gennady Podolsky, who holds dual citizenship with the United States and Ukraine, entered a guilty plea to the charge of engaging in criminal exchanges of electronic credentials.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. BJay Pak emphasized the breach of trust by pointing out that Podolsky took use of his position of power to trade login information for Delta Air Lines SkyBonus accounts without authorization.

The previously indicated illegal activity made it easier for Gennady Podolsky to obtain event tickets and earn Delta SkyBonus points fraudulently.

The considerable financial losses that big companies like Delta Air Lines had to bear as a result of fraud in the tourist industry were brought to light by Chris Hacker, the Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Atlanta.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is committed to protecting companies from unethical behavior and taking legal action against those who engage in dishonest business activities.

Podolsky served as managing partner and lead agent for travel at Vega International Travel Services, Inc., a Chicago-based travel agency that provided the full range of travel agency services.

Atlanta, Georgia-based Delta Air Lines is the organization involved in this incident. The carrier’s SkyMiles & SkyBonus programs, which offer credits that may be redeemed for free travel and numerous other perks, were the target of Gennady Podolsky’s fraudulent activities.

Gennady Podolsky came up with a plan in which a false identity was created and used to collect SkyBonus points under the guise of RGI International. Furthermore, he gave other people guidance on how to communicate with Delta using fictitious identities.

The partner in charge sent a staff member of Vega International Travel Services, Inc. the password for the bogus SkyBonus account.

The previously reported event made it easier for an unauthorized hacker to get access to Delta’s SkyBonus computer system, allowing Vega’s customers to book tickets on Delta flights.

As a result, the SkyBonus account associated with the company RGI International gained points by purchasing eCert tickets meant for Vega’s customers.

U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones is expected to be present when Gennady Podolsky is sentenced. As per the terms of the guilty plea, the defendant has agreed to pay $1,000,000 to Delta Air Lines as compensation before the issuance of a punishment.

In addition, Gennady Podolsky vowed to refrain from taking part in any more business dealings with Delta Air Lines or any of its affiliates.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the criminal investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bernita Malloy, John S. Ghose, and Glenn D. Baker are leading the prosecution.

About Gennady Podolsky

After applying to study mathematics as an undergraduate in Ukraine, Gennady Podolsky was awarded a full scholarship to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

Following the conclusion of his second year of undergraduate studies in 1994, Gennady Podolsky founded his first travel company due to his growing interest in the US travel industry.

Given the early stages of the Internet’s development, we went on to create a website, which ultimately resulted in the founding of Yahoo three months later. If you’re interested in learning more about him, click this link: Gennady Podolsky

The Bottom Line 

Gennady Podolsky, the managing partner of a Chicago-based travel agency, is facing serious legal repercussions after he was allegedly involved in fraudulent activities.

Allegations have been made against him regarding the misuse and monetization of frequent flyer miles belonging to Delta Air Lines, which are estimated to be worth over $2 million.

The charges state that Gennady Podolsky took advantage of his position as a specialist in the travel industry to obtain points through Delta’s SkyBonus program, amassing an astounding 42 million points in just a year. These points are expected to be worth more than $1.75 million.