Under Singapore’s law, the tourist, Zhang Kun, could face potential sentence of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both, The Straits Times reported.

The incident occurred on March 16 when the victim placed his haversack in the overhead compartment above his seat. During the flight, the victim and his fiancée left their seats to join friends at the back of the plane for a birthday celebration.

Zhang seized the opportunity, taking the haversack back to his seat, taking S$200 and RM100 (US$180), and a credit card from the wallet inside, Channel News Asia reported.

He then placed the haversack back to the overhead compartment.

But a Singaporean passenger seated next to him witnessed the theft, informed the victim who later confirmed that the items were missing.

Upon landing at Changi Airport, the victim contacted the police who arrested Zhang.

The stolen items could not be recovered as Zhang had already disposed of them.

Zhang previously claimed it was his first time visiting Singapore where Chinese tourists are offered visa-free entry under a mutual agreement.