Russian man, 23, arrested at airport for stealing luggage worth $20,000

A 23-year-old Russian man was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on April 12 for allegedly stealing luggage containing about HK$20,000 worth of valuables from another passenger, police said.

The airport district received a report on April 11 from a passenger who arrived on a flight from the mainland. The passenger claimed their luggage was missing after arrival, with valuables worth about HK$20,000 believed stolen.

Following extensive CCTV review and intelligence analysis, officers from the airport district's uniform patrol team, task force and criminal investigation unit identified the suspect. The Russian national, holding a passport, was arrested on suspicion of theft. Stolen items were recovered.

Further investigation revealed the same suspect had allegedly stolen another passenger's luggage using similar methods. He has been charged with two counts of theft, with his case heard at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Tuesday.