Two Chinese nationals, aged 54 and 59, have been charged with allegedly stealing bank cards from passengers aboard a flight bound for Singapore.
The two men, identified as Shu Zaijun, 54, and Dong Bangjun, 59, appeared in court on 14 October 2026 over two separate alleged theft cases onboard an aircraft.
According to court chargesheets, Shu allegedly took two debit cards from a passenger’s bag at around 8.30am on 12 October. About 30 minutes later, Dong allegedly stole a credit card from another passenger’s bag.
Bank Cards Allegedly Taken From Overhead Compartments
Further police investigations found that the alleged thefts took place on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore.
The two men allegedly took the bank cards from bags kept in the aircraft’s overhead compartments. They subsequently disembarked without the affected passengers realising that their cards were missing.
The chargesheets indicated that three bank cards belonging to other people were found in the possession of the two men. However, it was not stated whether the suspects were working together or whether the alleged offences were connected.
According to the police, the men were arrested during an operation at Changi Airport Terminal 4 on 13 October. The operation targeted theft cases occurring onboard aircraft.
Both men were subsequently charged with theft onboard an aircraft.
Theft Onboard Aircraft Can Carry Jail Time
If convicted, the offence carries a possible jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The police reminded travellers to keep their valuables close to them instead of leaving important belongings in bags stored in overhead compartments. Passengers are also encouraged to remain vigilant throughout their flights, particularly when other travellers access luggage stored nearby.
Travellers who notice suspicious behaviour should alert cabin crew immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
The incident serves as a reminder that passengers should take precautions to protect their personal belongings even when travelling on commercial flights. Bank cards, passports, cash and other valuables should be kept secure, with passengers checking their belongings before leaving the aircraft.
The police reiterated that they take theft onboard aircraft seriously and will continue efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute alleged offenders.