SIA stewardess nabbed after allegedly shoplifting $90 worth of goods and biting man's arm in Japan

Lok Jian Wen
The Straits Times
November 12, 2023

A Singaporean flight attendant was arrested in Japan on Nov 6 for allegedly shoplifting goods worth just over 10,000 yen (S$90) and biting a man in a shopping mall.

Bai Peixuan, 33, is suspected to have stolen items worth 10,538 yen at around 11am on Nov 6 from a shop in Narita, Chiba prefecture, according to a local police station.

When a Japanese man, 51, attempted to stop her from leaving the shop, Bai allegedly bit his left arm, leaving him with a minor injury.

“I did not steal the items, but I intended to pay for them later,” she told police.

The six items found in her possession included bath towels and tote bags, reported Japan’s NTV News.

When asked why she bit the man’s arm, she reportedly told investigators: “He was holding my neck, so I bit him because I wanted him to let go.”

Under Japanese law, people suspected of a crime can be detained by the local authorities for up to 23 days.

In response to ST queries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday said it is providing consular assistance to the Singaporean concerned, in accordance with the laws in Japan.

SIA confirmed on Monday that one of its staff members was arrested in Japan. But it is unable to provide further comments as the matter is under investigation.

• Additional reporting by Yong Li Xuan