Chinese National Ties to Airplane Theft Ring Intercepted at Manila Airport

Zhou Wei

Chinese National Ties to Airplane Theft Ring Intercepted at Manila Airport

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | January 28, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials intercepted a Chinese national at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last month, suspected of being a member of a notorious “salisi gang” specializing in in-flight thefts. The interception underscores President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to bolster border security through advanced technological solutions.

Zhou Wei, 52, arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on January 20 aboard a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur when he was flagged by the BI’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the interception resulted from enhanced intelligence gathering and technology deployment.

Melvin Mabulac, Chief of the BI’s APIS Operations Center (APOC), explained that his office received a system alert triggered by Zhou’s travel patterns. “Our system flagged Mr. Zhou based on information indicating potential involvement in criminal activities,” Mabulac stated.

Intelligence reports from international sources allege that Zhou is a member of an organized crime syndicate composed of Chinese nationals. The group is suspected of orchestrating thefts aboard commercial aircraft, targeting passengers’ carry-on luggage.

The modus operandi reportedly involves targeting overhead compartments, discreetly removing bags, and quickly sifting through the contents for cash and other valuables while returning to their seats. This stealthy approach allows the gang to operate undetected amidst the bustle of air travel.

Upon his arrival, Zhou was immediately taken into custody, questioned, and subsequently denied entry into the Philippines.

Commissioner Viado emphasized the crucial role of technology in the successful operation. He credited the UN goTravel software, provided by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism with assistance from the Australian government, for enabling the BI to proactively identify and apprehend potential threats. “This system grants us access to advance passenger information, allowing us to preemptively identify suspected criminals and implement necessary interception measures,” Viado explained. “It’s a significant step forward in securing our borders.”

Following the interception, Zhou was deported to his country of origin. He has been blacklisted by the BI and is now permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines, effectively preventing him from utilizing the country as a potential base of operations.

This incident highlights the Philippine government’s commitment to leveraging technology and international partnerships to combat transnational crime and maintain the integrity of its borders. The BI’s success in intercepting Zhou serves as a deterrent to other potential criminals and reinforces the message that the Philippines is actively working to prevent its airports from being exploited for illicit activities.