Police Seize Equipment, Prosecutors Investigate Camera Allegedly Pointing at Fitting Room in Taichung's LaLaport

(CNA, by reporter Chao Li-yen, Taichung, 19th) An Under Armour sporting goods store in Taichung's LaLaport mall is suspected of having a "surveillance camera pointing at the fitting room," leading a woman to file a complaint for illegal recording. The camera in question has been removed, and the Third Precinct has seized the main unit and camera. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has opened an investigation into the case. On the 18th, a female customer was at the Under Armour store on the 4th floor of LaLaport's North Building. While trying on clothes, she looked up and discovered a surveillance camera on the wall aimed at the fitting room. She suspected it could record the changing process through the gap in the door and reflections in a full-length mirror. After reporting it to the police and reviewing the footage, she found that "everything was captured." She filed a complaint and posted about the incident online. Upon receiving the report, the Third Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department inspected the scene, seized the main unit, camera, and other equipment, and summoned the store and manufacturer for questioning. The case was subsequently referred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of offenses against privacy and offenses against sexual privacy and false sexual images. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office stated via a press release that the Third Precinct had reported the case for a prosecutor's direction this afternoon and that a case has been opened. They will actively investigate to clarify the facts based on the victim's report. The Taichung City Economic Development Bureau issued a press release stating that the operator has removed the camera and that the head office has initiated a comprehensive review of surveillance equipment and camera angles at all directly-operated stores across Taiwan. The LaLaport mall is equipped with anti-eavesdropping detection devices, and the operator regularly inspects private spaces such as restrooms and nursing rooms. Brand counters are regularly patrolled by floor management personnel. The Economic Development Bureau stated that it has required major department stores within its jurisdiction to strengthen inspections and self-management of private spaces like fitting rooms and restrooms. Related inspection records will also be audited during subsequent joint inspections of large department stores.