Officials investigating after report of stolen BART tickets sold on underground market

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Officials are investigating a report that a large number of BART tickets were stolen from a busy station in Oakland and sold on the underground market.

BART is releasing few details about the incident, but the focus is on the theft of tickets and the underground market.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports a criminal investigation is underway after a large number of tickets were stolen from the customer service center at the Lake Merritt BART station and ended up on the underground market.

An office manager is now on administrative leave and police and accountants are looking into the alleged ticket scam.

A BART spokesperson confirmed they are currently investigating the possible misuse of public funds.

BART released a statement saying: "Because this is an ongoing investigation as well as a personnel matter, BART cannot comment or release additional details on the specifics of the investigation. We have comprehensive procedures in place to respond to allegations of financial wrongdoing and we are working closely with law enforcement."

Riders ABC7 News spoke with said they were unaware of an underground market for BART tickets. Some said they prefer the security that comes with buying tickets and Clipper cards at authorized retailers. "The person here at BART just told me to buy it at Walgreens," BART rider Eugene Gasmin said.

There is no word at this time on the value of the stolen tickets.

BART officials say people should only buy tickets from them directly to avoid becoming a fraud victim.