Hotel Guest Finds Hidden Camera in Tokyo: A Cautionary Tale

One of the immediate actions Sedef Demir took upon checking into her hotel in Tokyo was to search the room for hidden cameras. Though she had heard about such incidents, she did not expect to encounter one herself.

Demir and her husband were staying at Hotel Aperto, booked through Booking.com, when they noticed a suspicious small lens below the television. Taking a closer look, they realized this object did not belong to the TV. It was attached with adhesive, and upon removal, they discovered an SD card inside.

Demir said, “At first, we were unsure what we had found. Was it part of the TV set or was this really a hidden camera? We contacted the hotel manager, looking for help understanding the situation. He confirmed that it was indeed a hidden camera and apologized.”

Newsweek reached out to Hotel Aperto for comments. Additionally, a Booking.com spokesperson emphasized that guest privacy is paramount. The use of surveillance devices in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms is forbidden. Any properties violating these rules can face suspension or removal from their platform.

A Security Expert’s View

While Demir’s instincts led her to find a camera, such occurrences remain uncommon, according to Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert with NordVPN. He noted a rise in the demand for counter-surveillance services, suggesting hidden cameras might be more prevalent than reported.

Warmenhoven explained that hidden devices often blend into their surroundings. They are frequently concealed within everyday objects like smoke detectors, alarm clocks, and USB chargers. He praised travelers like Demir for their vigilance and encouraged others to check their surroundings upon arrival.

Warmenhoven also suggested some practical tips for spotting hidden cameras:

• Shine a light on suspicious areas to detect reflections from camera lenses.
• Use apps like Fing to scan the Wi-Fi network for connected devices.
• Check mirrors using a “finger test” to see if they might be one-way mirrors.

Aftermath

Despite being offered an extra night free of charge, Demir and her husband chose to leave the hotel. They reported the incident to the Japanese Hotel Association but have not yet received a response.

Demir hopes sharing her experience will raise awareness and encourages travelers to document and report similar findings promptly. Warmenhoven advised leaving any accommodation immediately upon finding hidden cameras, citing the emotional impact such a discovery can have on travelers.

His advice for travelers includes using smartphones to identify hidden cameras. By shining a light on suspected hiding spots, travelers can detect reflections from camera lenses. Additionally, exploring the local Wi-Fi network using apps can reveal unauthorized devices.