Hong Kong police arrest 2 over stolen airport luggage with valuables worth HK$1.1 million

“We are still investigating if the pair is linked with other cases,” Leung said.

Police began an investigation after receiving reports from two residents, who returned from overseas on June 4, filed a report saying they failed to retrieve their luggage at the baggage collection area.

The acting chief inspector said officers used surveillance camera footage to identify the two alleged thieves.

“The investigation revealed the two suspects arrived in the city, wandered around the baggage claim area, and randomly stole suitcases belonging to other travellers,” Leung said.

On Saturday, police arrested the pair and recovered some stolen items in a series of raids. During the operation, officers also seized some receipts and mailing orders.

Leung said the investigation suggested the pair were linked to another case that occurred on February 27.

She said the three suitcases carried more than HK$1.1 million in valuables, such as jewellery and clothing from designer labels.

Superintendent Sum Ching-fun, deputy airport commander, believed the two suspects stole luggage to make a profit from valuables stored.

Sum also urged other victims or anyone with information to contact officers on 3661 2036.

As of Monday afternoon, the two arrestees were still being detained on theft – an offence punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

Police handled 5,830 reports of different types of theft in the first three months of 2024, an increase of 9.2 per cent from 5,340 cases logged in the same period last year.