Singapore Airlines Passenger Jailed for 100K Dollar Theft on Dubai-Singapore Flight: A Wake-Up Call for Airline Security

Published on December 27, 2025

In a disturbing incident that has raised concerns about aviation security, a Chinese national has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after attempting to steal over S$100,000 worth of valuables from a business class passenger on a Singapore Airlines flight. The crime, which occurred during a long-haul flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Changi Airport (SIN) in Singapore, underscores the growing issue of organised theft targeting premium cabins in the aviation industry.

The Theft on Board Singapore Airlines Flight SQ495

The criminal act took place on August 7, 2024, when Liu Ming, a 26-year-old Chinese national, boarded Singapore Airlines Flight SQ495 at Dubai International Airport, bound for Singapore. Liu took a seat in the business class cabin, while the victim, a 52-year-old Azerbaijani man, was seated several rows ahead, with his wife seated just one row in front of Liu.

The flight, like many long-haul flights, was filled with passengers eager for a restful journey. However, Liu had different intentions as he embarked on a meticulously planned theft. Prosecutors revealed that Liu had been financed by a criminal syndicate, indicating that this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but part of a larger scheme targeting high-value passengers.

Executing the Theft: Liu’s Opportunistic Move

On the evening of August 8, after dinner service and once the cabin lights were dimmed for passengers to rest, Liu seized the opportunity to act. The cabin crew was temporarily in the pantry with the curtains drawn, and the victim had fallen asleep while his wife had just woken up from a nap. Liu quietly left his seat and moved toward the overhead compartment above the victim’s seat.

Without raising suspicion, Liu removed the victim’s carry-on luggage and took it back to his own seat. However, Liu’s actions were soon noticed by the victim’s wife, who, seeing Liu with the bag, immediately questioned him. Unable to answer due to a language barrier, Liu returned the bag to the overhead compartment and quickly returned to his seat.

Cabin Crew Investigates: The Discovery of S$100K in Valuables

The victim’s wife, suspicious of the situation, alerted the cabin crew, who swiftly checked the bag and confirmed that it contained valuables worth more than S$100,000. Among the items were S$12,000 in cash, a Huawei laptop valued at S$2,100, 56 cigars worth over S$5,400, a Chopard watch valued at over S$35,000, and an Audemars Piguet watch worth more than S$51,000.

Although Liu initially returned the bag unopened, the cabin crew was quick to recognize the severity of the situation, informing ground staff at Changi Airport in Singapore.

Arrest and Investigation: Liu’s Denial and False Claims

Upon arrival at Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore police arrested Liu and conducted a formal investigation. Liu initially denied committing theft, claiming he had mistaken the victim’s bag for his own, stating that he had wanted to retrieve toiletries. However, investigators quickly debunked this story, pointing out that Liu’s own bag, which remained in the overhead compartment above his seat, was significantly different in appearance and material.

The Deputy Public Prosecutor, Cheah Wenjie, argued that this crime was not just an individual offense but one that posed serious risks to aviation security and the public’s trust in airlines. He also highlighted the broader issue of inflight thefts, noting how difficult it is for passengers to monitor their belongings while cabin crew cannot be everywhere at once during a flight. This lack of oversight, he noted, can lead to increased opportunities for criminals to target unsuspecting passengers, particularly those traveling in premium cabins.

A Severe Sentence: 20 Months in Jail

After hearing the full details of the case, the court handed down a 20-month jail sentence for Liu, underscoring the seriousness of inflight thefts, especially those targeting premium passengers. The judge also took into account the fact that this crime involved a criminal syndicate and was part of a larger theft operation, which only added to the public interest in ensuring justice was served.

Impact on Airline Reputation and Security Concerns

This case follows a series of similar incidents targeting premium cabins and business class passengers on various flights. In fact, earlier in the year, another similar theft took place on a Scoot flight, showing a disturbing pattern of organised crime targeting airline passengers. The Singapore Airlines theft serves as a wake-up call for airlines worldwide to reinforce security protocols and ensure that passengers’ belongings are protected throughout their journeys.

Singapore Airlines has long been regarded as one of the world’s best airlines, but incidents like these raise serious concerns about the vulnerability of high-value items onboard. The airline is now likely to face increased scrutiny over its security measures and whether enough is being done to prevent such thefts from occurring in the future.

Conclusion: A Reminder for Travelers

For passengers traveling in premium cabins, this case is a stark reminder of the risks that can exist, even in the luxurious setting of business class. It highlights the need for vigilance and the importance of safeguarding valuable items, especially when traveling on long-haul flights. While aviation security continues to improve, this incident underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.

The case also reinforces the notion that organized crime can infiltrate even the most exclusive travel experiences, making it crucial for both passengers and airlines to remain aware of potential risks.