Security Agent Arrested for Theft at Tokyo's Haneda Airport

A security screening agent was taken into custody on Sunday at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, suspected of taking money from a passenger while they were going through security. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking into further accusations involving thefts totaling approximately ¥1.5 million from about 80 different passengers since August.

The 21-year-old individual accused of the theft allegedly pilfered ¥90,000 from a male traveler who had placed the cash on a tray for screening. This incident occurred at a Japan Airlines security checkpoint located in Terminal 1, which is designated for domestic flights. According to reports, the suspect expressed to the authorities that he sought the excitement of stealing the money, intending to use it for basic living expenses.

While the victim proceeded through the metal detector, the suspect concealed the cash in his pocket and later stashed it inside a toilet roll in one of the airport restrooms. After realizing his money was missing, the victim reported the incident to another security agent, which led to the police identifying the thief through surveillance footage. The individual was working for a security service company that had been contracted by Japan Airlines.