Hong Kong police arrest man after HK$25,000 in cash stolen during flight

South China Morning Post

by Matthew Cheng

February 15, 2026

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Hong Kong police arrest man after HK$25,000 in cash stolen during flight

Hong Kong police have made two notable arrests in separate incidents related to airline security concerns. In one case, a 35-year-old mainland Chinese man was apprehended for allegedly stealing HK$25,000 (US$3,200) from a passenger's carry-on luggage during an inbound flight from Kuala Lumpur. The victim reported the theft to airport authorities, who随后 arrested the suspect following preliminary investigations. He remains in custody. In another unrelated incident, a 39-year-old mainland man was arrested for smoking in a lavatory and engaging in "indecent behaviour" in the aircraft aisle on a flight from South Africa. His actions caused discomfort among passengers and disrupted cabin order, prompting his arrest under the Aviation Security Ordinance. He was released on bail pending further investigation. These incidents highlight growing concerns over airline security and passenger behavior. The theft case underscores the vulnerabilities of carry-on luggage storage during flights, while the smoking and behavioural incident raises questions about in-flight conduct and safety protocols. Hong Kong police have urged passengers to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of securing personal belongings and avoiding leaving valuables unattended. The cases also reflect a broader trend: in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, Hong Kong recorded 169 cabin thefts on inbound flights, involving property worth HK$4.3 million. This data underscores the need for heightened security measures and passenger awareness to prevent similar incidents. For those interested in global aviation safety and security concerns, these developments shed light on ongoing challenges in ensuring a safe and orderly travel environment. Ultimately, these cases serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to airline regulations and taking personal responsibility for one's actions while traveling. As air travel continues to grow, addressing such issues will remain critical to maintaining public trust and safety in the skies

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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/15/2026