Chinese man jailed for theft targeting business-class passengers after Singapore Airlines alert

Liu carried out the act in the early hours of Aug. 8 after dinner service had ended and cabin lights were dimmed.

With cabin crew stationed behind the galley curtains, he opened the overhead compartment above the victim’s seat, removed the carry-on bag and took it back to his own row, Malay Mail reported.

When questioned by crew members, Liu claimed he had been “confused” about which bag was his.

A subsequent search confirmed that nothing had been taken, although the luggage contained valuables worth more than S$100,000 (US$77,850), including cash, cigars, a Huawei laptop, and luxury watches from Chopard and Audemars Piguet, the South China Morning Post reported.

Liu was arrested upon the aircraft’s arrival at Changi Airport.

Prosecutors said he remained uncooperative, continuing to insist he had mistakenly reached for the wrong bag, despite his own luggage which differed in both appearance and material being stored directly above his seat.

Under Singapore law, theft carries a maximum penalty of three years’ jail, a fine, or both.