Transporting something for a complete stranger.
 

Would you carry something abroad for a stranger? - BBC News
My view, as a lifetime airline professional, is that this is an irresponsible article and you have to think hard again and again before saying "Yes."

I would not do it and, indeed, even if taking something for someone known to me, would insist that it is unwrapped and I can examine it.

If you carry something you have not closely examined, it could be anything and, even if unwrapped, how do you ensure the safety of electronic goods, toys, padded items, etc?

Yes, I read: but I can see the whole thing leading off in other directions and some people getting themselves into a spot of bother.

It's a not unreasonable premise but I hope that in their detailed Ts&Cs they advise carriers to check restrictions on the airline! Since the article says 'Apple products are the most frequent choice' they had better understand batteries.

Would I? No but for many folks this will be something like the 'hand courier' work before that got fully automated and run through the cargo divisions.

There is a culture of people taking things to and from the 'old country', but generally that is parties knowing each other at either end and the item being carried is easily identified.

The thought of saying to a security person in the US "..Oh yeah, I was given this package by a guy to take to Russia and I'm going to be met at the airport by someone....". Your feet wouldn't touch the floor.

As you might be aware you can get badly caught out in more benign places and circumstances, even doing the "old country" favour for people.

There's a bit of a practice around where we are for expats travelling up to /from e.g. the UK by road with empty space in their vehicles to advertise in expat media that they are willing to "courier" stuff for third parties......apparently works OK until you stopped by customs on the autoroute and questions get asked what's in that well secured box..which of course you've never opened....I understand then gets very awkward and somewhat nerve wracking as the crowbars appear.....

Carrying stuff in for a third party that you have bought from an outlet of your choice might be OK, anything else and I think you are right, your feet wouldn't touch the floor.