Summary
- A Singapore Airlines flight attendant was arrested in Japan for allegedly stealing items from a store and biting a security guard.
- The suspect denied stealing and claimed she intended to pay for the items later; she also explained she bit the guard in self-defense.
- Singapore Airlines confirmed the incident and Singapore’s government is providing consular assistance, but cannot intervene in the case.
A Singapore Airlines flight attendant was arrested earlier this month after allegedly stealing items from a store in Japan. In addition to theft, multiple reports claim that the suspect bit a security guard’s arm while trying to be stopped.
The flight attendant reportedly stole nearly $70 worth of items but denied the allegations, insisting they would be paid for “later.” Singapore Airlines has confirmed the incident, and Singapore’s government is now involved.
Details of the incident
According to The Straits Times, the suspect was identified as 33-year-old Bai Peixuan. She allegedly shoplifted goods from a shop in Narita on November 6 around 11:00. Peixuan was found with six items, including towels and tote bags, costing just over 10,000 yen ($65), as reported by AsiaOne.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying
Amid the debacle, Peixuan became violent when a security guard attempted to stop her from escaping. According to multiple reports, she is accused of biting the 51-year-old man on his arm, leaving him with a minor injury.
“So I bit him”
When confronted by investigators, Peixuan denied assertions that she stole the items, telling police that she planned to pay eventually.
“I did not steal the items, but I intended to pay for them later,” she told police, according to The Straits Times.
Peixuan also explained why she bit the security guard.
“He was holding my neck, so I bit him because I wanted him to let go,” she commented.
Photo: Bradley Caslin | Shutterstock
Singapore Airlines confirmed on Tuesday that it employs Peixuan but could not provide further details about the incident.
“SIA can confirm that one of our staff members was arrested in Japan,” the airline said, according to Channel News Asia (CNA). “As this matter is under investigation, we are unable to provide further comments.”
Detained for nearly a month
As ruled by Japanese Law, the flight attendant could be in custody for up to 23 days for investigation. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has also become involved during the investigation to provide consular assistance to Peixuan, according to CNA. The government branch is responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions. As outlined by the MFA, general consular assistance provides several services to a Singaporean abroad, including:
- Issue emergency travel documents for the person
- Request financial assistance from the Singaporean’s friends or family on their behalf
- Notify friends or relatives if the person has been injured or arrested while away
- Provide a list of officially registered lawyers or translators if required
In Peixuan’s case, the MFA explained that Singaporeans arrested overseas will be defended their right “to be treated humanely and fairly.” Additionally, the branch will ensure that they are not denied any legal assistance they may be entitled to, secure a Singaporean’s access to a consular officer, and make sure that they “are not detained pending trial for a disproportionate length of time.”
The MFA said it is unable to post bail for Peixuan or pay any fines as a result of her arrest. The government also cannot disregard Japan’s laws to help her get released, provide the flight attendant with legal advice, or intervene in her case.
Sources: The Straits Times, AsiaOne, Channel News Asia