Two arrested for hidden cameras in separate incidents

by Lorraine Williamson
hidden cameras

The Civil Guard has arrested two men in separate operations for allegedly committing several privacy crimes by placing hidden cameras. One incident occurred in a hotel in Bóveda, Lugo, and the other in a pharmacy toilet in Tarazona.

The investigation began late last year after a couple staying at a hotel in Bóveda reported finding a hidden camera behind a clock on the wall of their room. The couple noticed a reflection from the clock when they turned off the lights and discovered a mini camera focused on the bed with a micro SD card for recording images.

After notifying guests in the adjacent room, they discovered another similar camera hidden in a clock. Upon reporting the incidents to the hotel owner, he claimed the cameras were non-functional and refunded their accommodation fees, along with an additional €300, in an attempt to prevent them from filing a complaint.

Operation “Norbates”

The Guardia Civil launched the “Norbates” operation following these complaints. During their investigation, another individual lodged a similar complaint involving the same hotel and presented a clock containing a camera as evidence.

A search of the hotel and the owner’s residence led to the seizure of two laptops, a CPU, an external hard drive, 15 pen drives, a mini camera, and three clocks. The investigation remains ongoing to determine whether the seized recordings were for personal use, online distribution, or commercial purposes.

Recordings in pharmacy toilet

The second arrest occurred in Tarazona, where the Guardia Civil apprehended a man for placing a recording camera in the toilet of the pharmacy where he had worked as an IT specialist.

Employee Discovery

The investigation began in early July after an employee discovered the camera in the toilet, positioned to record individuals using the facilities. The camera was equipped with a 32 GB memory card and a power bank, allowing it to function for several weeks.

Investigators determined that the detainee, a resident of Tarazona, had purchased the camera approximately a year ago, and it had likely been operational in the toilet since May.

The man faces charges for crimes against privacy.

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