SIA Crew Member Detained in Japan for Alleged Shoplifting and Assault
In a curious twist of logic, a 33-year-old Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight attendant, Bai Peixuan, equated shoplifting with “paying later,” a stance that has now led to her arrest.
Bai allegedly stole items worth 10,538 yen (approximately S$94.95) from a shopping mall in Narita, Chiba Prefecture.
The incident, which unfolded on 6 Nov between 10:55 and 11:00 AM, culminated in her arrest on 7 Nov by the Narita Police Station.
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She was apprehended on charges of robbery and injury, according to reports from Japanese news outlet Chibanippo.
SIA confirmed to The Straits Times on 13 Nov that a member of their staff had been detained in Japan, but withheld further details citing the ongoing investigation.
Bai is accused of shoplifting six items, including bath towels and tote bags, from a store in a commercial facility in Narita City.
In her attempt to flee, she reportedly bit the left forearm of a 51-year-old male employee who tried to detain her, causing him injury.
Denying the allegations, Bai insisted to the police that her intention was to pay for the items at a later time.
She justified biting the man by claiming he was restraining her by the neck, leaving her no choice but to react as she did, as reported by Nippon TV News 24 Japan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to an inquiry from The Straits Times, mentioned on Sunday that it is providing consular assistance to Bai, in line with Japanese legal procedures.
In Japan, suspects can be held by local authorities for up to 23 days while under investigation.
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Should Bai be found guilty, she faces the possibility of a fine up to 500,000 yen (around S$4488) or up to 10 years of imprisonment.
This case emerges at a time when Japan, traditionally known for its low rates of such crimes, has seen an uptick in shoplifting incidents.
The potential penalties Bai faces are notably harsher compared to a lingerie shoplifting case in Singapore, where the offender could face a maximum of three years in jail and/or a fine.
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