TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two patrons of a hotel in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District discovered a hidden video camera installed in an electrical socket in their room on Sunday (Aug. 11).

After becoming suspicious of a hidden camera in the room, the guests contacted the police, who later confiscated the recording device and an encrypted memory card for forensic analysis.

Kaohsiung City Government’s Tourism Bureau stated that the hotel operator will be punished if found guilty of installing the hidden camera. The guests had noticed an electrical socket pointed directly at the bed, which raised their suspicions, per CNA.

Police warned that installing a secret camera to record others violates Article 315-1 of the Criminal Code, which covers the crime of peeping, eavesdropping, or recording a person’s non-public activity. This crime can lead to a punishment of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$9,240).

The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau added that the hotel operator may also face additional charges, including a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000 in accordance with Article 53 of the Tourism Development Act, which penalizes actions harming national interests or defrauding tourists.

In serious cases, the maximum fine is NT$500,000, and the hotel risks losing its business registration.