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Ng Kang-chung

Hong Kong police have arrested a 42-year-old man from mainland China on suspicion of stealing foreign currency worth about HK$11,000 (US$1,400) and a bank card from another passenger during a flight into the city from Vietnam.
The force on Friday revealed details of the latest case of suspected in-flight theft, noting the victim had placed his backpack in the overhead luggage bin but later found the money and card were missing.
Officers responded to a report on Thursday and arrested the mainland traveller on suspicion of theft.
The man allegedly stole about 8,600 yuan (US$1,180) and 860 Malaysian ringgit (US$194) and a debit card. He is still being detained for questioning.
A police spokesman declined to provide further details.
The number of thefts on board flights into Hong Kong has surged following the removal of pandemic-related travel restrictions.
The city recorded 169 such cases in the first 10 months of this year, according to the Security Bureau. The figure reached 92 cases for the whole of last year and only three were reported in 2022. No in-flight theft cases were logged in 2021.
About 70 per cent of the cases this year occurred on short-haul flights arriving from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India.

Another 20 per cent were from locations such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Qatar.
Flights from mainland China, Japan and South Korea accounted for 7 per cent of the cases, while the remainder were on board services from the United States, Canada, Australia and Switzerland.
The stolen property was mainly cash in various currencies, jewellery, watches and credit cards, totalling more than HK$4.3 million.
Police said they were maintaining close contact with airlines, the Airport Authority and the Aviation Security Company to strengthen intelligence-led enforcement operations.
Authorities are working on a database of suspects to gather intelligence.


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Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police arrest passenger for allegedly stealing HK$11,000 on flight from Vietnam

The number of thefts on board flights into Hong Kong has surged following the removal of pandemic-related travel restrictions. Photo: Shutterstock

Most of the theft cases this year occurred on short-haul flights arriving from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong logs 169 cases of theft on inbound flights, losses reach HK$4.32 million

A minister has suggested the rise in cases could be related to increased efforts to urge members of the public to file reports. Photo: Elson Li

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says authorities are working closely with stakeholders to prevent in-flight thefts. Photo: May Tse

Rising in-flight thefts trigger growing concern among Asia-Pacific airlines: aviation body

Hong Kong is among jurisdictions witnessing a rise in in-flight thefts. Photo: Elson Li

One passenger has said she saw suspicious individuals on a flight from Hanoi to Hong Kong going through other people’s luggage. Photo: Shutterstock

Clamping down on in-flight crime is currently being hindered by issues over jurisdiction. Photo: Shutterstock

News

Hong Kong

Law and Crime

Traveller reported cash and bank card missing from bag he had placed in overhead bin, latest in string of similar cases


Traveller reported cash and bank card missing from bag he had placed in overhead bin, latest in string of similar cases.


Hong Kong aviation