A former executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been arrested for defrauding the company of more than $2 million.
Tom Markwell, 54, was arrested on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, by Interpol agents in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, according to reports from Infobae. Markwell, who served as Senior Director of Events from July 2019 to September 2023, is accused of working with two accomplices to submit fraudulent invoices through a fake supply company called “The Gifting Company.”
Federal authorities allege the scheme involved dozens of transactions that bypassed internal limits, allowing Markwell and his accomplices to pocket the money. Some payments included $165,000 and $82,000 transferred to his girlfriend’s account. Markwell faces at least seven charges of wire fraud and identity theft and could face a minimum of 20 years in prison if convicted.
The accomplices, who were not employed by the cruise line, remain at large, and it is unclear whether they have been located. Markwell also allegedly used his girlfriend’s account to facilitate part of the fraud; she has not been implicated in the case.
Born in Illinois, Markwell earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Robert Morris University. His role at NCL likely included arranging corporate events, networking with shareholders, and organizing gifts for sponsors and employees.
This is among the largest fraud cases involving a cruise line executive. Neither Norwegian Cruise Line nor its parent company has released a statement, consistent with policy during ongoing litigation.
Prior reports have documented other cruise-related scams, including fraudulent travel agencies, gift card schemes, and onboard theft, but Markwell’s case directly involves high-level corporate fraud.
