San Francisco, United States: A Delta Air Lines co-pilot was arrested on Saturday night at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) moments after his aircraft landed, following a months-long investigation into serious allegations of child sexual abuse.
According to official statements, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office boarded Delta Flight 2809, arriving from Minneapolis, shortly after its arrival at SFO at approximately 9:35 p.m. on July 26. The co-pilot was taken into custody directly from the cockpit in the presence of passengers and crew members.
The suspect has been identified as Rustom Bhagwagar, a 34-year-old Florida resident. Authorities confirmed that Bhagwagar faces five felony counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 10. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office stated that the arrest followed an investigation that began in April 2025, when reports of alleged child sexual abuse involving the suspect were first received.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with federal law enforcement, determined Bhagwagar’s work and travel schedule in order to facilitate the arrest without incident. The operation was executed as the aircraft reached the gate at SFO, ensuring that the suspect was apprehended immediately upon arrival.
Passengers onboard reported that a team of approximately ten officers entered the aircraft in tactical gear and removed the pilot from the cockpit. No disruption to airport operations or other flights was reported during the incident.
In an official statement, Delta Air Lines confirmed the pilot’s immediate suspension, stating: “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation.”
Bhagwagar is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in Contra Costa County. His bail has been set at $5 million, according to county officials. No information has been released regarding court proceedings or legal representation at this time.
While Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the arrest due to its location at an international airport, officials confirmed that the criminal case remains under the jurisdiction of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the ongoing investigation, and no additional charges have been announced. As of now, there is no indication that any other Delta personnel were involved or aware of the allegations. The airline has not issued further comment beyond its initial statement.
