7-8-2024 (HONG KONG) A mainland Chinese tourist has reported the alleged theft of his credit card during a flight from Vietnam to Hong Kong, resulting in unauthorised transactions totalling over HK$36,000 (US$4,600). This incident marks the second suspected mid-air theft involving flights from Vietnam within a single day, highlighting growing concerns about in-flight security.
The 37-year-old traveller, who arrived in Hong Kong on VietJet Air flight 966 from Da Nang at approximately 10pm on Sunday, discovered the theft upon landing. According to a source close to the investigation, the victim had placed his credit card in his backpack before falling asleep during the journey.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, the unsuspecting passenger received a startling notification from his bank, alerting him to a substantial transaction of HK$36,330 made using his card. A subsequent check of his belongings revealed that the credit card was missing, prompting him to immediately contact the Hong Kong police.
Authorities are treating the incident as a case of theft, with the airport district investigation team taking charge of the inquiry. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with this case.
This alarming incident follows on the heels of another, more brazen theft that occurred on a separate flight from Vietnam to Hong Kong earlier the same day. In that case, a 57-year-old man was apprehended after allegedly stealing a Rolex watch valued at HK$330,000, along with various currencies totalling thousands of dollars, from a fellow passenger.
The victim of the earlier theft, a 39-year-old man, had stored the valuable items in a handbag placed in the overhead compartment of HK Express flight 561 from Da Nang. Upon landing, he discovered the items were missing and promptly alerted airport staff.
In a swift response, police were called to the scene as passengers were boarding a bus on the tarmac. Several witnesses identified the suspect, and the stolen items were recovered from beneath a mat on the bus’s luggage rack. The alleged perpetrator was subsequently arrested by police officers.
HK Express has confirmed the incident, stating that staff followed standard procedures by immediately calling for police assistance upon the plane’s arrival in Hong Kong.
These back-to-back incidents have raised serious questions about the security measures in place on international flights, particularly those originating from Vietnam. Travellers are being advised to remain vigilant and take extra precautions with their valuables while in transit.
The Hong Kong police are urging anyone with information related to either case to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, airlines operating routes between Vietnam and Hong Kong may face increased scrutiny and pressure to enhance their on-board security protocols.
