Warning Over Luggage Theft Gangs At Airports

Peruvian man held over baggage theft at KL airport

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian police believe they have smashed a Peruvian syndicate specialising in stealing luggage at airports with the arrest of one of the suspects, it was reported Monday.

The 51-year-old Peruvian national was detained after police caught him making away with the briefcase of a Malaysian businessman who was waiting for his flight at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last week, said airport police chief Zahidi Ayob.

Police are now on the look out for at least two other Peruvians involved in the syndicate, an airport security source told the Star daily on condition of anonymity.

He said the trio have been on a crime spree for several years at international airports in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and China, adding that the suspects were last believed to have struck in Malaysia three years ago.

"Once they achieve their 'quota' in a particular country, they board the next flight to another country," the source was quoted as saying.

One of the Peruvians trailed a potential victim, another distracted him, while the third man snatched the bag and walked away, he said.

He said airport police detained the suspect for further questioning, adding that the Peruvian embassy has been informed of the arrest.

--DPA 2004-02-03