DELHI- A Chinese national was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi, for allegedly stealing passengers’ debit and credit cards during an Air India (AI) flight from Hong Kong (HKG). Authorities suspect the individual is linked to an international in-flight theft syndicate targeting passengers on long-haul flights.
The arrest was made following reports from several passengers aboard Air India flight AI315. The accused, Benlai Pan, was taken into custody upon landing in Delhi on May 14, 2025, while three accompanying Chinese nationals were detained for questioning.
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Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAir India Chinese Passenger Arrested
Authorities revealed that Benlai Pan, a 30-year-old Chinese citizen, was traveling with three other individuals—Meng Guangyang (51), Chang Mang (42), and Liu Jie (45).
All four were under suspicion after reports emerged of missing valuables during the flight. Preliminary investigations suggest the group may be part of a well-organized global syndicate specializing in theft during air travel.
The incident came to light when Air India’s onboard security flagged suspicious movements of the group and alerted the IGI Airport police. Passenger Prabhat Verma, seated at 12C, first noticed his credit card missing.
He also reported suspicious behavior from a nearby traveler seated at 14C, though the boarding pass indicated seat 23C—revealing an intentional seat switch by the suspect.
During a search, Verma’s missing credit card was found hidden beneath seat 14C, where Pan had been seated. The situation escalated when other passengers also came forward with similar complaints.
Another traveler, Prashi, mentioned her mother’s debit card was stolen. A third passenger, Nafeez Fatima, submitted video footage showing Pan opening overhead bins and rifling through bags.
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Photo: DnataModus Operandi
Upon interrogation, Pan admitted to being part of a team that specifically booked long-distance international flights to carry out thefts while passengers slept.
The group strategically selected seats across the cabin to reduce the chances of being noticed. After taking valuables, they would discard the items once attempts to use them failed.
A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the IGI Airport police station.
Authorities seized mobile phones, wallets, and other items for forensic analysis. Immigration authorities have been notified, and investigations are being coordinated with embassies and global law enforcement agencies to trace similar thefts worldwide.
While Benlai Pan remains in custody, the roles of the other three Chinese nationals are being closely examined.
Officials are working to verify their travel histories and connections to other reported in-flight thefts. Surveillance data, flight bookings, and passenger complaints from other international routes are also under review.
The case has drawn attention to a growing concern about organized crime targeting airline passengers. Airport security, airlines, and international agencies are being urged to strengthen in-flight vigilance and enhance passenger awareness.
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