Airport security guards accused of stealing cash from passengers while they were being searched for pre-flight checks have been seized by police in Florida.

The three guards were reportedly filmed on CCTV helping themselves to banknotes from flyers’ wallets and bags as they frisked them at Miami International Airport.

One passenger alone had USD 600 (GBP 460) taken during a security screening.

Police named the trio as Josue Gonzalez, 20, Elizabeth Fuster, 22, and 33-year-old Labarrius Williams.

The three have been locked up at the Turner Guilford Knight Detention Center awaiting trial on charges of running an organised scheme to defraud.

The security footage is said to show how an officer would distract passengers while their accomplices searched their belongings for cash.

The cameras also allegedly caught them carrying out a number of other thefts.

The Transportation Security Administration – which employed the guards – told local media it has “no tolerance” for thieving.

They said in a statement: “We actively and aggressively investigated these allegations of misconduct and presented our findings to MDPD, and are working closely with them.

“Any employee who fails to meet our fundamental ethical standards is held accountable.”