Two women staying at a budget guesthouse in Chengdu, China, were left deeply shaken after uncovering a hidden camera concealed inside the air-conditioning duct of their room. The disturbing discovery has led to the arrest of two men suspected of installing the device to secretly record unsuspecting guests, once again raising concerns over personal safety and privacy in low-cost accommodation.
The incident surfaced after the women shared their experience on social media, where it quickly gained attention and triggered widespread discussion. According to their account, they had booked the room for just over 90 yuan, roughly equivalent to around 18 Singapore dollars, and had only rested briefly after checking in before becoming uneasy about the possibility of hidden surveillance.
Acting on instinct, one of the women decided to inspect the room carefully. During the check, she noticed a small circular hole on the air-conditioning duct located in the corner of the room. When she shone her phone’s torch into the opening, a red light reflected back, immediately alerting her to the possibility of a concealed recording device.
Shocked by the discovery, the women contacted the police without delay.
Police Intervention Confirms Hidden Recording Device
Officers arrived at the guesthouse shortly after receiving the report and proceeded to dismantle the air-conditioning unit for inspection. Inside the duct, they confirmed the presence of a pinhole camera that had been deliberately hidden from view. Videos circulating online later showed officers carefully removing the device while securing the area.
Netizens praised the women for their alertness, with many pointing out that their vigilance may have prevented further invasions of privacy involving future guests. The case also prompted renewed warnings online, particularly among frequent travellers, about the importance of checking hotel rooms thoroughly upon arrival.
The discovery has struck a nerve amid growing concerns across Asia about illegal surveillance, voyeurism, and data protection, especially in short-term rentals and budget lodging where security standards may vary.
Two Men Arrested Following Investigation
Police later confirmed that two male suspects, aged 23 and 26, were arrested after investigators tracked them down at another location. Preliminary findings revealed that the men had previously stayed at the same guesthouse and used their access to the room to install a self-made recording device inside the air-conditioning duct.
Authorities said the suspects’ intention was to secretly film the private activities of future guests. Importantly, police stressed that the two men had no links to the guesthouse owner or its management, ruling out any involvement by the accommodation provider.
All related equipment and stored data were seized as evidence. According to police, no footage was found to have been shared or distributed online, although investigations remain ongoing. The suspects have since been placed under criminal compulsory measures for the illegal use of specialised filming and surveillance equipment.
Broader Safety Checks and Advice for Travellers
In response to the incident, local authorities carried out inspections at more than 100 nearby hotels and guesthouses to ensure no similar devices were present. Such checks underline the seriousness with which privacy violations are treated, particularly as travel continues to rebound across the region.
Police have also urged travellers to remain vigilant when staying in hotels, guesthouses, or homestays. Common hiding spots for hidden cameras include air-conditioning units, power sockets, smoke detectors and other fixtures with a direct view of beds or bathrooms.
For Singapore travellers, the case serves as a stark reminder that personal safety, privacy protection and digital security should be part of every travel checklist. If anything suspicious is found, guests are strongly advised to report it immediately so authorities can act swiftly under the law.