Ryu Matsumoto, the suspect, worked for a security company contracted to screen carry-on luggage at Haneda Airport.
Matsumoto is suspected of stealing 90,000 yen (over 16 million Vietnamese dong) from a passenger in his 30s at the domestic flight security checkpoint in Terminal 1 of Haneda Airport around 6:30 p.m. on 13/9.
According to police, the passenger placed the cash on a tray along with his backpack. As he passed through the metal detector, Matsumoto allegedly pretended to help arrange the luggage while stealing the 90,000 yen. He then pocketed the money in his shirt and hid it inside a toilet paper roll in a nearby restroom.
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Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Photo: Bloomberg |
Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Photo: Bloomberg
After completing the security check, the passenger noticed the missing cash and reported it to another security officer. Video footage from security cameras revealed Matsumoto's suspicious behavior.
Matsumoto confessed to the crime, stating, "I stole the money for the thrill. I wanted to quit my job because it was too demanding, and I needed money for living expenses." He also admitted to stealing about 1.5 million yen (nearly 270 million Vietnamese dong) from the wallets of approximately 70 to 80 passengers since August using the same method.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department arrested Matsumoto and handed him over to prosecutors on theft charges.
Tue Anh (Japantoday)
