A pair of suspected thieves have been nabbed by Hong Kong police over allegations they flew to Hong Kong International Airport with the sole intention of stealing luggage containing high-end goods from baggage carousels.
Police opened an investigation after two victims reported that their luggage never showed up on the baggage carousel despite reassurances from the airline that their luggage hadn’t been lost and had been delivered to the carousel.
The two victims had luxury designer clothing and jewellery stuffed in their suitcases, which, combined, was worth HK$1.1 million (US $140,000), according to the territory’s police force.
Police launched an investigation and reviewed security camera footage, which showed the two suspects loitering around the baggage reclaim hall before swiping luggage belonging to the victim.
The theft occurred on June 4, but the two suspects, aged 23, were only caught on Saturday as they attempted to fly out of Hong Kong. The police did not say where their intended destination was.
It is believed that the alleged thieves spent their time in Hong Kong reselling stolen goods on the black market.
After reviewing crime reports, police believe the pair may also be responsible for a similar theft that took place in February. Immigration records show that the suspects have been flying in and out of Hong Kong on a regular basis.
Police searched an address the pair used in Hong Kong, where they were able to retrieve some of the stolen goods. They also found parcels and packing slips, and officers are attempting to intercept the shipments with the hope of retrieving more of the stolen goods.
Local media report that the maximum punishment under Hong Kong law for theft is 10 years imprisonment.
How did they know which bags to target? And who travels with that kind of valuable stuff in their luggage? Is that normal?