Expedia Headquarters Hidden Camera Incident
A Expedia employee reportedly placed hidden cameras in the bathroom of the company headquarters in Seattle.
Marcelo Vargas-Fernandez, a 42-year-old was charged with four counts of first-degree voyeurism after reportedly planting spy cameras in two all-gender bathrooms at the company’s headquarters between December 4, 2023, and January 11, 2024. These cameras were strategically positioned under sinks and aimed at toilets, capturing footage of at least ten confirmed victims, with investigators suspecting additional unidentified victims.
The scheme was first uncovered when an Expedia vanpool driver discovered the devices under two bathroom sinks and reported them to security. However, security supervisors did not immediately recognize them as illicit recording devices, mistaking them for a music device or a battery backup for soap dispensers. The devices subsequently disappeared before a proper investigation could be conducted.
A second discovery was made on January 11, when another employee found similar hidden cameras in the same bathrooms. This time, security promptly reported the findings to the Seattle Police Department, leading to an investigation. Surveillance footage from the office showed Vargas-Fernandez entering the restrooms with what appeared to be the cameras. Further investigation traced an Amazon order for identical spy cameras back to him.
Upon searching Vargas-Fernandez’s apartment, authorities uncovered 33 additional spy cameras, along with 22 SD cards and six hard drives containing at least 20 terabytes of storage. Evidence suggested he had used similar devices in other locations, including his ex-wife’s home, further expanding the scope of the investigation.
To prevent similar incidents, organizations should consider implementing a proactive security strategy that includes
1. training physical security officers to detect and respond to illicit surveillance devices.
2. Routine TSCM inspections to identify hidden cameras in private places.