London Taxi Driver’s Stunning Integrity: Returns £65,000 Hermès Bag in Global Viral Moment

Imagine leaving a handbag worth more than a luxury car in a taxi—vanishing into the bustling streets of London. For Hana Al Hai, founder of Dubai’s Pearl Haute Couture, this nightmare became reality when her rare black alligator-skin Hermès Kelly Pochette (£65,000/$86,868) was left in a cab. What followed restored global faith in human decency.

The Relentless Hunt for a Bag’s Owner
London taxi driver Terry—who only shared his first name—discovered the exquisite Hermès bag after Hana’s ride. Finding no ID, he meticulously searched the contents and spotted a label from “The Lounge at Dubai Mall.” At 2 AM London time, Terry called the Dubai luxury retailer. Staff identified the bag through purchase records and contacted Hana’s London hotel. Within hours, Terry personally delivered it to her.

Hana’s Instagram video shows Terry handing back the purse with quiet humility. “It’s rare to meet someone with such integrity,” she wrote on Pearl Haute’s account on August 2, 2025. “You turned a stressful experience into a reminder of goodness.” Terry, however, redirected praise toward London’s iconic black cabs. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated: “Returning a 100k Hermès bag shows why we’re the world’s best taxis—shame our mayor and government don’t agree.”

Global Reactions: “Heroes Still Exist”
The story ignited admiration across continents. On TikTok (@ahlanlivedubai), comments flooded in multiple languages: “Nice to know people like him still exist—top guy!” (@shaka66666). Londoners rallied behind Terry’s advocacy for black cabs. User @markmywords010 declared: “Never used Uber, never will.” Dubai-based journalist Sulaiman Hakemy noted in The National how the incident “transcended cultures,” highlighting shared values of honesty.

Ethics professor Dr. Amina El-Shafei (Oxford University) contextualized the response: “In an age of digital distrust, tangible acts of integrity create viral hope. This wasn’t just about a bag—it affirmed societal glue.” Transport for London data confirms black cabs return over 200,000 lost items yearly, though rarely of this value. Terry’s refusal of a reward—confirmed by Hana—deepened public admiration.

This London taxi driver didn’t just return leather and stitching—he delivered a masterclass in humanity’s unextinguished light. Terry’s integrity with the Hermès bag proves everyday heroes walk among us, steering our faith toward brighter destinations. Share this story to celebrate unsung goodness.

Must Know

How did the taxi driver find the Hermès bag’s owner?
Terry found a label from The Lounge at Dubai Mall inside the bag. He contacted the luxury retailer, whose staff identified Hana Al Hai through purchase records. They then alerted her London hotel, enabling the reunion.

Why is this Hermès bag worth £65,000?
Crafted from rare black alligator skin, the Kelly Pochette is among Hermès’ most exclusive designs. Limited availability, artisanal craftsmanship, and premium materials drive prices into five figures. Similar models auction for over $100,000.

Did the taxi driver receive a reward?
Hana Al Hai publicly offered a reward, but Terry declined. His social media posts emphasized promoting London’s black cab industry rather than personal gain.

How common are lost items in taxis?
Transport for London reports over 200,000 items left annually in black cabs—from phones to jewelry. High-value recoveries like this Hermès bag remain exceptional due to intricate tracing efforts.

What’s the significance of ‘black cabs’ in London?
London’s iconic black taxis require drivers to pass “The Knowledge”—memorizing 25,000 streets and 50,000 landmarks. Their reputation for reliability and integrity underpins Terry’s advocacy for greater government support.