13-11-2023 (TOKYO) A 33-year-old Singaporean woman, believed to be a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight attendant, is currently under arrest in Japan for alleged shoplifting and assault at a shopping mall in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture.
On November 6, Bai Peixuan reportedly shoplifted six items, including bath towels and tote bags, with an estimated value of 10,000 yen (S$89.75), according to reports from Yahoo Japan. During the incident, she is said to have assaulted a 51-year-old male security guard who attempted to intervene, allegedly causing minor injuries.
Despite the charges, Bai vehemently denies the allegations, asserting that she intended to settle her bill later. She also provided an explanation for the reported assault on the security guard, claiming she bit him because he had pinned her down and she wanted to free herself.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the Singaporean woman in line with local laws. A spokesperson for SIA acknowledged that one of their staff members had indeed been arrested in Japan. However, due to the ongoing investigation, the airline refrained from offering further comments on the matter.
The incident adds to a string of challenges faced by the aviation industry, with this arrest raising questions about the conduct of airline staff both on and off-duty. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the alleged actions of the SIA flight attendant and the potential repercussions for her and the airline.
