2 Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Credit Cards, Cash on Flights from Thailand
HONG KONG – Two mainland Chinese men have been arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly stealing credit cards and approximately HK$20,000 (US$2,550) in cash from passengers on two separate flights originating in Thailand.
According to the Hong Kong police, the arrests were made on Thursday, July 31, after two passengers—one a foreign woman, the other a mainland Chinese man—reported their valuables missing shortly after their flights landed in the city. The victims had boarded separate flights departing from Thailand and only realized their credit cards and cash were missing upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport.
Police said the victims had stored their items either under their seats or in the overhead compartments, suspecting the thefts occurred mid-flight. A preliminary investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 37 and 58, both of whom are believed to be mainland Chinese nationals.
Officers said they acted swiftly on receiving the complaints, launching an immediate investigation that included checking flight manifests, surveillance footage, and passenger movements. With sufficient evidence gathered from interviews and flight crew observations, authorities were able to identify and detain the suspects shortly after landing.
Both men are currently in custody for questioning. They face charges of theft, and police say additional investigations are underway to determine whether the suspects may be connected to similar crimes on other international flights.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the thefts were part of a larger operation involving in-flight theft targeting tourists and travelers on popular routes between Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.
The two victims, although unharmed, reported the loss of significant personal funds and credit cards that could potentially have been used for unauthorized transactions had they not been immediately canceled.
Hong Kong police have reminded the public, particularly international travelers, to take extra precautions when flying, especially on long-haul or busy regional routes. “Passengers should keep all valuables with them at all times and avoid storing cash or important documents in seat pockets or overhead bins,” a police spokesperson advised.
Airlines operating between Thailand and Hong Kong have also been informed of the incident, and crew members are being advised to be extra vigilant during flights. In-flight security training is expected to be reviewed to help cabin crews identify suspicious behavior more effectively.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in reports of theft on board international flights, especially in cases involving overnight or long-distance routes. Thieves often work while passengers are asleep or distracted, targeting loosely stored valuables and using quick sleight-of-hand tactics to avoid detection.
This latest incident serves as a warning to both travelers and authorities about the growing sophistication of in-flight theft operations and the need for coordinated international enforcement efforts.
As investigations continue, Hong Kong police are urging any other passengers who may have lost valuables on the same flights—or on recent flights from Thailand—to come forward and assist with the inquiry.
The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, and formal charges are expected once questioning is complete. Authorities are also working with immigration and airline officials to determine the suspects’ travel histories and whether similar cases have occurred along the same flight routes.
Travelers are reminded that while airlines generally maintain tight security measures, personal vigilance remains a key factor in preventing theft while in transit.
