Chinese Passenger Detained at Delhi Airport

A Chinese citizen was detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi, for reportedly stealing debit and credit cards from passengers during an Air India (AI) flight originating from Hong Kong (HKG). Officials believe the person is associated with a global in-flight theft network that aims at travelers on long-haul flights.

The apprehension occurred after multiple passengers on Air India flight AI315 reported the incident. The suspect, Benlai Pan, was arrested upon his arrival in Delhi on May 14, 2025, while three Chinese nationals traveling with him were held for interrogation.

Officials disclosed that Benlai Pan, a 30-year-old national from China, was journeying with three others—Meng Guangyang (51), Chang Mang (42), and Liu Jie (45). All four came under scrutiny following claims of lost belongings during the flight. Initial inquiries indicate that the group could be affiliated with a highly organized international network focused on theft during air travel.

The situation was revealed when Air India’s in-flight security noticed unusual actions by the group and notified the IGI Airport police. Passenger Prabhat Verma, sitting in seat 12C, was the first to notice that his credit card was gone. He additionally noted unusual actions from a nearby passenger in seat 14C, although the boarding pass showed seat 23C—indicating a deliberate seat swap by the individual.

While searching, Verma’s lost credit card was discovered concealed under seat 14C, which was occupied by Pan. The circumstances heightened as additional passengers reported similar grievances. Another traveler, Prashi, stated that her mother’s debit card had been taken. Another traveler, Nafeez Fatima, provided video evidence depicting Pan opening the overhead compartments and searching through bags.

During questioning, Pan confessed to being part of a group that arranged long-haul international flights to commit thefts while travelers were asleep. The group purposefully chose seats throughout the cabin to minimize the likelihood of drawing attention. After seizing valuables, they would throw away the items when efforts to utilize them were unsuccessful. A case has been registered under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the IGI Airport police station.

Officials confiscated mobile devices, purses, and various items for forensic examination. Immigration officials have been informed, and inquiries are being coordinated with embassies and international law enforcement bodies to track similar thefts across the globe.

Authorities are in the process of confirming their travel backgrounds and links to other documented in-flight thefts. Data from surveillance, flight reservations, and complaints from passengers on different international routes are currently being examined. This situation has highlighted increasing worries regarding organized crime that is focusing on airline travelers. Airport security, airlines, and global organizations are being encouraged to bolster in-flight monitoring and improve passenger consciousness.