6-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singaporean authorities have arrested a 54-year-old man accused of stealing US$80,000 (S$107,000) in cash from a fellow passenger during a flight from Hong Kong to Singapore. The incident came to light when the victim noticed the missing cash from his bag after disembarking at Changi Airport on Tuesday.
According to preliminary investigations by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the victim had placed his bag in the overhead compartment during the flight but did not observe any suspicious activity. Airport Police Division officers, in collaboration with SPF’s Commercial Affairs Department, used flight records to identify the suspect.
The authorities discovered that the alleged thief had conducted four remittance transactions, totaling S$37,897.70, at People’s Park Complex in Chinatown, believed to be part of the stolen cash. The police intervened, arrested the man, and found him in possession of S$79,662.83 in various denominations and currencies. The seized cash will be held as evidence.
The suspect is set to face charges in court on Thursday, with theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code 1871 read with Section 3 of the Tokyo Convention Act 1971. The latter allows offenders to be prosecuted under Singapore laws for crimes committed on Singapore-controlled aircraft flying outside the country. If convicted, the man could face up to three years in jail, a fine, or both.
Assistant Commissioner of Police M Malathi, the commander of the Airport Police Division, emphasized the gravity of theft on board an aircraft, stating that the safety and security of all passengers remain a top priority. The swift response in this case ensured the apprehension of the perpetrator, and Airport Police will continue working closely with stakeholders to maintain aircraft security and safety.
