A young photographer from Shandong, China became an overnight internet sensation after subduing an alleged thief in Barcelona, Spain on April 29th.
The incident, which was captured on video and shared widely across social media platforms, shows the photographer using what appears to be Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques to restrain the man who allegedly attempted to steal his camera equipment.
According to eyewitness accounts, the photographer managed to apprehend the suspected thief and hold him in place until local police arrived at the scene. The crowd that gathered around the confrontation reportedly applauded the photographer’s quick action and bravery.
The young man explained afterward. “The police arrived quickly.”
This incident highlights a growing concern for tourists visiting Europe, particularly in major cities known for pickpocketing and theft. Several Chinese celebrities have recently shared their own experiences of being robbed while traveling in European countries.
Actor Sun Jian recently released surveillance footage showing how he was robbed in Barcelona. “On my first day in Spain, I was on the phone in a coffee shop, and someone asked if the seat next to me was occupied. I said yes, and then asked if the other side was occupied. I said yes, so I took my bag and put it on the seat to take up a spot. I didn’t notice that my bag was gone after the call, along with my passport, phone, headphones, wallet, and card holder. Everything was gone. It was like the sky was falling,” Sun recounted.
Other high-profile theft cases involving Chinese celebrities include actress Liu Tao, who had jewelry worth approximately $560,000 stolen from her hotel safe in Denmark in 2015. The case was eventually solved after seeking help online.
In 2023, Wu Qianyu’s husband Shi Boxiong used an Apple AirTag to track his stolen backpack to a trash can in Italy, where he was able to retrieve his identification documents.
Fashion incidents have not been spared either. Actress Huang Yi had her designer shoes stolen while attending a fashion show in Paris in 2024, forcing her to run to a store in hotel slippers to purchase new footwear. That same year, actor Chen He experienced two thefts while traveling in Europe – first his bag was stolen, then his suitcase was swapped during airport check-in.
Most recently, in February 2025, Aaron Kwok’s wife Fang Yuan reported being robbed at Milan Airport, losing her identification documents, bank cards, and camera.
After her experience, Fang Yuan advised travelers: “When you go out, always stay alert and keep valuables and documents separate to reduce losses. Finally, thank you again for your concern. I hope everyone can travel safely and have a happy trip!”
Law enforcement officials recommend that tourists remain vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secured, and consider separating important documents from other belongings when traveling abroad.
