A Chinese man, identified as Zhang Xiuqiang, 52, is facing serious charges after allegedly pilfering nearly $23,000 in cash from fellow passengers on a budget Scoot flight from Vietnam to Singapore. His sticky fingers didn't go unnoticed, though – a vigilant passenger alerted the crew, leading to Zhang's arrest after landing.
Investigators say Zhang cleverly targeted three different passengers throughout the flight, swiping a total of three million Vietnamese dong (around $123), a whopping 510 million Vietnamese dong (roughly $20,950) from a backpack, and even a 50-dollar Singapore note. He didn't stop there – authorities also suspect he snagged $1,000 and 930 Singapore dollars (about $700) from another bag.
Thankfully, the airline's quick action ensured the safety of other passengers. As a spokesperson for Scoot explained, "Our crew swiftly alerted airport authorities upon hearing about the suspected theft. The involved passengers were escorted off for investigation, while the rest of the flight continued as usual."
Zhang's sneaky spree landed him in court on Monday, facing three counts of theft and a potential violation of the Tokyo Convention Act, which applies to crimes on international flights that threaten passenger safety. CNN reports he could be looking at up to three years in prison and a hefty fine if convicted.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to be extra cautious with your belongings during air travel, especially when flying budget airlines known for tighter spaces and less personal attention. So, next time you take to the skies, keep your valuables close and don't hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the crew.
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