Man, 51, arrested for alleged theft on Scoot flight to S'pore pleads not guilty, denies stealing items

The male Chinese national, 51, who was arrested for his suspected involvement in a case of theft onboard a Scoot flight, was charged on Mar. 18.

According to CNA, Zhang Kun pleaded not guilty and denied stealing the items.

Zhang, representing himself, said in court that the witness did not inform the flight attendant or crew to arrest him on the spot.

"The person who accused me of theft did not inform the victim of the theft so that the items can be verified on the spot in the bag," said Zhang.

Zhang also added that the stolen items had not been found on him.

"They need to show me the proof."

Zhang is due back in court on Mar. 27 for his pre-trial conference.

He shared that it was his first time visiting Singapore and that he would not engage a lawyer, CNA reported.

Rummaging through the bag

On Mar. 17, Zhang allegedly took a bag from the overhead bin while the victim was away from their seat.

According to the Straits Times, Zhang was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore on Scoot when he stole a credit card, S$200, and RM 100 (S$29.93) from the victim's bag.

A passenger witnessed the theft as he saw Zhang bring the bag to his seat and rummage through it.

The passenger also saw Zhang hide the victim's belongings in his jacket before returning the bag to the overhead compartment.

The passenger then alerted the victim of the suspected theft.

After the plane landed at Changi Airport, the victim disembarked and searched for Zhang based on the passenger's description while calling the police.

He eventually located Zhang within the transit area, and officers from the Airport Police Division arrested him.

Top photo via Canva