Two Chinese nationals, Yu Haibo, 50, and Zhang Wei, 44, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft in Singapore and were sentenced on June 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Yu received four months and two weeks in jail, while Zhang was sentenced to two months and six weeks [1, 2, 3].
Yu Haibo masterminded a theft scheme starting early in 2026, planning to travel to several countries to steal cash from unattended bags [1, 2, 3]. He recruited Zhang Wei, who then enlisted two more accomplices: Ren Fubin and Sui Haibo, both aged 40 [1, 2, 3]. The group targeted Singapore in late March 2026 before traveling to Malaysia around April 1 and returning to Singapore around April 12 [1, 2, 3].
Between April 1 and 14, 2026, they conducted various thefts from unattended bags in high foot traffic areas after researching potential targets [1, 2, 3]. On April 13, Zhang, Ren, and Sui stole a Christian Dior handbag from a bench at VivoCity. The bag contained about 100 Singapore dollars in cash, keys, a purse, a National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), a plane ticket, and two Maxi Cab tickets [1, 2, 3].
Yu stayed in the hotel room during these thefts and instructed the others not to reveal his involvement if caught, so he could assist them [1, 2, 3]. The stolen items were pooled, then distributed after deducting travel costs: Yu received 60%, Ren and Sui each 15%, and Zhang 10% [1, 2, 3].
The two other men, Ren Fubin and Sui Haibo, are to be dealt with in district court, with Sui scheduled to appear on June 16 and Ren on June 17, 2026 [1, 2, 3].