The recent unsealing of state indictments detailing a multi-year bribery and money laundering scheme 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."
In December, the New York Attorney General announced indictments describing how bribes were allegedly disguised as consulting fees, rent, and fabricated invoices involving Delta cargo vendors at JFK. The court filings referenced a "Delta employee" with authority over cargo contracts who was not publicly named, but did identify Ray Kayume, aligning with the earlier reporting about "Dr. Ray" operating as an intermediary 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 the specific allegations, the report examines broader accountability issues facing Delta Air Lines as a publicly traded company. The persistence of alleged corruption tied to a major international cargo hub for years without public disclosure or apparent internal intervention raises significant concerns for shareholders and industry observers about oversight, compliance, and governance risk. While no allegation has been made that senior leadership, including CEO Ed Bastian, had knowledge of or involvement in the alleged schemes, the case highlights potential vulnerabilities in corporate controls.
For business and technology leaders, this development underscores the critical importance of robust compliance systems and transparent governance structures, particularly in complex global operations like air cargo. The ability of alleged corruption to persist within a major corporation's operations suggests potential weaknesses in monitoring systems that other companies should examine within their own organizations. The full investigative article, along with the original November report, is available at https://newyorkairportnews.com.
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. This pattern suggests that independent investigative journalism continues to play a crucial role in uncovering corporate misconduct that might otherwise remain hidden from public view and regulatory scrutiny.
