Shirtless TikTok stunt lands Sydney Airport baggage handler in legal trouble

Despite facing criticism for being unsafe, the bodybuilding influencer defended his actions, stating he had taken adequate precautions

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A former luggage handler faces charges for filming shirtless exercising video inside a working aircraft turbine in the restricted area of the Sydney Airport. Photo: handout

Published: 3:24pm, 2 Apr 2025Updated: 3:29pm, 2 Apr 2025

A former luggage handler has been fined more than US$1,500 for filming a shirtless exercise video inside a functioning aircraft turbine at Sydney Airport in Australia, raising significant safety and security concerns.

The man, identified as Preslie Ginoski from southern Sydney, pleaded guilty and fined A$2400 (US$1,510) in a local court on Wednesday, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that Ginoski misused his role as a baggage handler to exploit the restricted area of Sydney Airport by capturing videos of himself removing his shirt and posing inside an aircraft turbine.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to threatening aviation security and failing to display proper security permits in airside areas – the portion of an airport between the boarding gates and the airspace. He received two separate fines totalling A$2,400.

Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said in a statement on Wednesday that the airport was not a playground for social media stunts.

“Airside security zones are highly regulated and secure areas, and the AFP will not tolerate breaches which may compromise the safe operations of the airport, no matter how harmless they may seem.”