Singapore Airlines Business Class Thief Jailed 20 Months for Luxury Watch Target.

December 31, 2025 at 11:13 PM•3 min read

Singapore Airlines passenger was sentenced to 20 months in jail after attempting to steal a carry-on bag targeting luxury watches in business class, highlighting ongoing in-flight

Key Points

126-year-old Chinese national Liu Ming was sentenced to 20 months in jail for attempted theft on a Singapore Airlines flight.
2The theft attempt occurred on a Dubai-to-Singapore flight, targeting over S$100,000 in valuables, including two luxury watches.
3The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports a surge in in-flight theft cases across Asia, often linked to organized crime syndicates.
4Hong Kong and Malaysia reported significant spikes in in-flight theft cases in 2024, highlighting a regional security challenge.

A 26-year-old man received a 20-month jail sentence. He attempted to steal a passenger's bag mid-flight. The incident occurred on a Singapore Airlines business class service. The flight traveled from Dubai to Singapore. This case highlights serious in-flight theft security issues.

Key Details of the Incident

Liu Ming, a Chinese national, was the offender. He boarded the flight in August with criminal intent. Prosecutors stated he was financed by a criminal syndicate. The syndicate specifically targets business class passengers. They assume premium cabins hold premium valuables.

The target was a sleeping passenger's overhead bag. The bag contained over S$100,000 in valuables. This included an Audemars Piguet watch. It was valued at more than S$51,000. A Chopard watch worth over S$35,000 was also inside. The bag also held US$8,200 in cash. This was a clear case of luxury watch bag theft.

The victim's wife woke and saw Liu taking the bag. She quickly confronted him and alerted the cabin crew. Liu returned the bag, claiming an honest mistake. Crew members were unconvinced by his explanation. Ground staff at Changi Airport were notified. Liu was arrested upon the flight's arrival.

Rising Trend in Commercial Airline Crime

This incident is not an isolated event. It reflects a growing trend of commercial airline crime across Asia. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is concerned. IATA noted a surge in cabin thefts over 12 to 18 months. Organized crime syndicates are often behind these thefts. They target high-value routes, like those through Dubai. The route from Dubai is a major hub for premium carriers like Emirates.

Regional Statistics

Hong Kong reported 169 in-flight theft cases. This was in the first 10 months of 2024. This figure nearly doubled the 2023 total.
Malaysia saw 146 theft cases in the same 2024 period. This is a sharp increase from previous years.
Perpetrators often purchase last-minute tickets. They also avoid checking any baggage.

Aviation Passenger Security and Vigilance

Authorities in Singapore emphasized firm sentencing. This aims to deter others from similar crimes. The thefts risk damaging the nation's aviation reputation. Airlines and passengers must increase their vigilance. The business class carry-on is a prime target. Thieves operate when cabin lights are dimmed.

Passengers carrying high-value item theft targets should be careful. They should keep valuables secured under the seat. Using the overhead bin is riskier while sleeping. Carriers are reviewing airline security procedures. They must address this sophisticated crime wave. For more updates on this and other industry matters, visit our commercial aviation news section. [https://flying.flights]