Airport police arrested two mainland Chinese men on suspicion of theft after passengers aboard two flights from Malaysia and Switzerland to Hong Kong reported missing valuables mid-flight.
The two incidents occurred Tuesday (Sept 2) when three passengers from the two flights discovered missing cash from the overhead compartments.
Officers boarded the aircraft and arrested two mainland Chinese men, aged 25 and 47, suspected of stealing approximately HK$ 40,000 in mixed foreign and local currency from three passengers.
Airport police officers arrived to investigate the theft. (Credit: Banky Yeung)
Banky Yeung, a theater worker who was on the Swiss International Airlines flight, witnessed the arrests. He recalled that passengers were about to retrieve their luggage, when flight attendants intervened at around 4.30pm. Passengers were only allowed to leave after two hours.
"Those around me fell victim, losing credit cards, passports, cash, and cameras," Yeung noted. He did not suffer any losses himself.
The incident sparked discussion online, with netizens warning about the increase in such crimes particularly on long-haul flights.
Airport police will continue public education and awareness campaigns in response to such incidents. Travelers are urged to remain alert, secure belongings, and check personal items before leaving the aircraft.
Authorities reminded the public that theft is a serious crime and can result in up to ten years of imprisonment upon conviction.
Police urged passengers to keep valuables with them on flights.
