A former employee at a Samsung Electronics factory in Malaysia installed hidden cameras in the women’s changing room, leading to his capture and sentencing after repatriation.
Details of the Incident
The worker, identified as A and a 10-year interpreter at the facility serving major clients like China Datacom, matched his vacation schedule with overtime hours. In September 2024, he took leave and returned in October. During overtime in a cramped 20-square-meter water machine room filled with colleagues’ belongings, authorities discovered him installing the devices midway.
Investigators found two spy cameras in a public area of the changing room. One device, a compact camera, was concealed and directed toward women’s belongings, capturing their exposure.
Worker’s Confession
A admitted, “I needed to use the rented machine during overtime in the water room, and the empty space was packed with private workers’ items.” He added, “Installing the camera relieved my work stress and team pressures.”
Prior checks on lockers followed public complaints and locker inspections, revealing no prior issues.
Company Response
The company stated, “In October 2024, we caught this early through precise monitoring of the entire factory premises.” Officials noted, “Cafeteria CCTV offers limited safety views, and those affected were aware.” They clarified, “A had already been repatriated, so the changing room was not his assigned area.”
Despite this, the court imposed a sentence on A.
Court Ruling
The court highlighted that the changing room uses fingerprint entry, and A accessed the precise locker zone with belongings. “Employees sensing issues can install cameras for verification, but courts must weigh combined offenses—including intent, accuracy, and victim harm—beyond mere illegal installation,” the ruling stated.
Especially concerning was the continuous-recording “silver screen camera.” Checks revealed similar issues in another room. The court emphasized, “The company’s responsibility is evident.” It collected all related documents, secured a boss’s guarantee, required a deposit, and ordered probation.
Additionally, officials demanded a 5,000 ringgit (approximately $1.08 million KRW) settlement payment to A.
