A Vietnam Airlines steward was arrested at Noi Bai International Airport for attempting to smuggle 50 iPhone 5s on a flight from Paris to Hanoi.
iPhone 5S (Illustrative photo)
The steward, Bui Ngoc Tuan, 36, had just got off the plane at the airport on September 22 morning when customs officers found the 50 brand new phones in his suitcase.
During the language check, the security force recognised that he showed unusual signs of avoiding the inspection. The security force has sent the case to Hanoi police for further investigation.
Tuan has been working as a steward for Vietnam Airlines for eight years. After the case, the carrier has suspended Tuan from his work.
Vietnam Airlines said it will not protect any violation and will cooperate with management agencies to deal with wrongdoings.
In 2002, Vietnam Airlines faced a scam when dozens of flight attendants were found to involve in a big illegal smuggling ring of mobile phones. Each of them received a pay of USD10 for every phone.
The newly-launched iPhone 5S are among the most sought after products in Vietnam. An iPhone 5 16 GB is currently sold for VND22-28 million (USD1,000-1,300).