Two Chinese nationals, aged 35 and 40, have been charged with theft on board a flight and were brought back to the scene of the crime at Changi Airport on June 5, 2025. The duo is accused of stealing S$169 and two debit cards from a victim during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.
Details of the Incident
According to Shin Min Daily News, the accused were taken to various locations in the Terminal 1 arrival area, including gate D48, where they had exited, as well as nearby shops close to the immigration hall.
Arrival in Wheelchair
One of the accused, Liu Xitang, 35, arrived at the scene around 10:35 AM in a wheelchair. He was seen wearing a cast on his right leg, dressed in a white polo shirt and dark blue shorts, with a towel draped over his thighs. Liu had informed the court the previous day that he was suffering from a leg fracture. He was accompanied by three male police investigators who communicated with him in Mandarin.
During the visit, Liu was taken to a rubbish bin where police had previously recovered two debit cards belonging to the victim.
Second Accused’s Escort
The second accused, Wang Wei, 40, was escorted to the gate by five police officers at approximately 11:10 AM. He was similarly dressed in a white polo shirt and dark blue shorts, but was restrained at the arms and legs and wore black slippers. Wang was also questioned in Mandarin as he followed the same route as Liu. He appeared expressionless during the proceedings.
Arrest and Charges
Liu and Wang were arrested on June 2, 2025, after police were alerted to the inflight theft around 8:50 PM on Monday. An off-duty Singapore police officer on the same flight noticed one of the suspects rummaging through a bag in the overhead compartment and taking items out. The officer later discovered that the bag belonged to a female passenger.
If convicted, both men could face a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a fine, or both.
Top photos via Shin Min Daily News