Police were already waiting for him on the ground: man robs fellow passengers of 20,000 francs on plane

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Chinese Zhan Xiuqiang (52) only had to rob three fellow travelers on December 16 to obtain the equivalent of almost 20,000 francs. What he probably didn’t expect on the flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Singapore: that he would be exposed.

“Our cabin crew was alerted by a passenger to a suspected theft in the cabin and informed airport police,” a spokesperson for Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget airline, told CNN.

Thief risks a prison sentence or a fine

When they landed, airport police were already waiting for the affected passengers. “They were escorted from the aircraft for further investigation and the remaining passengers disembarked as usual,” the spokesperson said.

In court it appears: Zhang allegedly stole 106 francs from a passenger’s backpack, according to NewsAsia. On his second attempt he was much more successful: he stole almost 18,100 francs from the shoulder bag of another traveler. He allegedly stole an envelope containing approximately 1,500 francs from the pocket of his last victim.

As part of the police investigation, the 52-year-old Chinese man was taken into custody. If found guilty, he could face a fine or up to three years in prison – or perhaps both.

Thefts on airplanes are increasing

Airline Scoot warns crew members and passengers to be careful on board. “Our flight attendants are trained to be vigilant and alert authorities if there is any suspicious behavior on board our flights,” the spokesperson told CNN. “We also advise our customers to protect their valuables at all times.”

It was only in October that a criminal gang was discovered in Hong Kong stealing passengers’ credit cards. Hong Kong police subsequently warned of an increase in thefts on incoming planes. (gs)

Source: Blick