Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Passenger Over Alleged Diamond Theft
HONG KONG — A series of reported thefts onboard Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong has raised concerns about passenger security on long-haul international routes, following the arrest of a passenger accused of stealing a diamond during a December flight.
On December 26, 2025, a foreign passenger traveling on Etihad flight EY870 from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong International Airport reported the loss of a diamond during the journey. Upon arrival, Hong Kong police boarded the aircraft and arrested a suspect for questioning, according to local authorities. The incident marks the latest in a string of similar cases involving valuables taken from overhead bins on the same route.
Pattern of Incidents Emerges on Overnight Flights
Multiple reports dating back to November suggest a recurring pattern of inflight thefts on Etihad-operated services between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong. In one case, a passenger awoke to find her bag being handled and several credit cards missing. Cabin crew alerted authorities, leading to the detention of a mainland Chinese passenger upon arrival. The suspect was later identified as a truck driver visiting Hong Kong.
Two weeks later, another flight on the route saw multiple passengers affected. One traveler reported losing two bank cards, while another passenger discovered that a luxury watch valued at approximately 150,000 US dollars had been stolen from a bag stored in an overhead compartment. The affected traveler described frequent aisle movement and unusual seat changes nearby, raising suspicions of coordinated activity involving more than one individual.
Authorities in Hong Kong also arrested three passengers in July in connection with similar thefts on arriving flights from Abu Dhabi, ViewfromtheWing flagged.
Overhead Bin Theft a Growing Aviation Concern
While overhead bin theft is not unique to Etihad Airways or the Abu Dhabi–Hong Kong route, the frequency of reported cases on these services has drawn attention from travelers and law enforcement alike. Aviation security experts note that overnight flights, particularly during periods when cabin lights are dimmed and passengers are asleep, present opportunities for theft if bags are left unsecured.
Airlines generally advise passengers to keep high-value items in personal bags stored beneath seats. However, the incidents underscore the difficulty of monitoring belongings continuously during long-haul flights.
Comparable Case Highlights Serious Legal Consequences
A separate but related case involving Singapore Airlines illustrates the potential severity of penalties tied to inflight theft. A Chinese passenger attempting to steal valuables worth more than S$100,000 from a fellow Business Class traveler received a 20-month jail sentence.
The incident occurred onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ495 from Dubai to Singapore. Court findings confirmed that the suspect acted under instructions from a criminal syndicate, highlighting broader security risks tied to organized inflight theft. The case was first reported by CNA.
Organized Theft Targeting Premium Cabins
The offender, 26-year-old Chinese national Liu Ming, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft and was sentenced on December 23. Prosecutors established that Liu boarded the aircraft with the intention of stealing from Business Class passengers, with his travel expenses funded by a criminal syndicate.
After the dinner service concluded and cabin lights were dimmed, Liu removed a bag belonging to a 52-year-old Azerbaijani passenger from the overhead compartment and carried it back to his seat. The victim’s wife, seated nearby, noticed the movement and immediately confronted him, alerting the cabin crew.
Although no items were ultimately missing, the bag contained valuables exceeding S$100,000, including cash, luxury watches from Chopard and Audemars Piguet, a Huawei laptop, and premium cigars. Liu was arrested upon arrival in Singapore.
Courts Emphasize Deterrence and Aviation Security
During the investigation, Liu claimed he had mistaken the bag for his own, a statement investigators determined to be false due to visible differences between the bags and the fact that his own luggage remained above his seat.
The Deputy Public Prosecutor stated that inflight theft poses significant risks to aviation security and public confidence, noting that passengers cannot constantly monitor their belongings during flights. The court agreed, imposing a deterrent sentence and warning that repeated incidents onboard national carriers could damage airline reputations and impact tourism.
Under Singapore law, theft carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a fine, or both.
