Three Chinese nationals arrested on Urals Airlines flight for theft attempt

Three foreign nationals, reportedly Chinese citizens, were arrested and removed from Urals Airlines flight U6-773 from Yekaterinburg to Istanbul on August 6, 2026, after passengers reported attempted thefts during boarding. The incident occurred as passengers were boarding and stowing luggage in the overhead compartments. A passenger discovered missing cash and identified a man who allegedly replaced stolen bills with counterfeit notes. Conflict erupted between passengers and the suspect, prompting crew members to request police intervention.

According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect was caught attempting to steal money from multiple pieces of hand luggage. Passengers reported the thief moving through the aisle and opening others' bags. One witness who had previously reported theft on an earlier flight to Istanbul noticed suspicious activity and confronted the suspect. When challenged, the man initially denied involvement, claiming he was searching for his phone and allegedly smelling of alcohol. He then quickly retrieved a stack of euros and threw it onto a luggage shelf.

Police officers boarded the aircraft and removed three individuals: the primary suspect and two alleged accomplices. All three were traveling with minimal baggage—only a small backpack and bag, with no checked luggage. Following police procedures, a K9 unit was deployed to search the cabin and remaining baggage. Passengers and crew were questioned as witnesses. The flight was delayed approximately 90 minutes; departure occurred at 08:41 local time instead of the scheduled 07:20. Urals Airlines confirmed the arrests and praised the crew's vigilance and swift coordination with passengers in detecting and preventing the theft.

This incident follows a similar theft reported in late July on the same route, when a passenger from Kamensk-Uralsky reported missing 4,200 euros from hand luggage. Urals Airlines reminded travelers that passengers bear responsibility for safeguarding carry-on items under Federal Aviation Regulations section 134.