Many Louisiana travelers who have sailed the high seas, specifically the Caribbean over the past few weeks could have reason to be concerned. The reason for the concern is an egregious breach of your personal privacy. And by "egregious breach" and "personal privacy" I am speaking of the discovery of a hidden camera found in the bathroom of a vessel that is quite popular with Louisiana travelers.

Alonso Reyes via Unsplash.com
Alonso Reyes via Unsplash.com
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As technology allows electronic devices such as cameras to be made smaller the opportunities for misguided people to use this technology for less than savory behavior have increased. Besides this breach of personal privacy on a cruise vessel, we are hearing more and more reports about guests discovering hidden cameras and listening devices placed inside peer-to-peer rentals such as those listed by VRBO and Airbnb. 

Dose Media via Unsplash.com
Dose Media via Unsplash.com
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Here is what we have learned about this latest interdiction into your personal space. Crew members aboard the Royal Caribbean vessel Harmony of the Seas were alerted to the camera that had been placed inside a public bathroom during a recent sailing. The sailing in question occurred between April 29th and May 6th of this year.

The Cruise World via YouTube
The Cruise World via YouTube
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The Harmony of the Seas was scheduled to take passengers on a seven-day adventure across the Caribbean. The voyage included stops in Key West, Nassau, St Maarten, and San Juan. It was shortly after the vessel left the Port of Miami that the hidden electronic device was discovered.

A report from the FBI shows that cruise passenger Jeremy Froias is alleged to have installed the hidden Wi-Fi camera in a public bathroom located on the aft deck of the Harmony of the Seas. For those who are familiar with Royal Caribbean ships that would be very near the Flow Rider surfing simulator.  It is believed the electronic device was installed on April 30th the day after the ship set sail.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Chronicles via YouTube
Royal Caribbean Cruise Chronicles via YouTube
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The FBI believe the camera system was operational for about 24 hours before it was discovered. Video obtained by the FBI from the camera reportedly shows Froias installing the camera and later adjusting the lens so it would focus on the toilet area. The purported video also allegedly shows Froias checking the video via his iPhone while in view of the camera.

The FBI believes that as many as 150 guests, 40 of whom appear to be minors may have been videoed as they used the restroom facility. The video reportedly shows passengers not only on the toilet but in various states of undress which included images of naked genitals, buttocks, and female breasts.

North Carolina Clashes With U.S. Over New Public Restroom Law
Sara D. Davis Getty Images
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Froias has been charged with video voyeurism and child exploitation under the following statutes, 18 USC 1801 and 18 USC 2252(a)(5)(B). The FBI is asking passengers who may have been on board this vessel during this cruise to reach out to them. Especially if you feel you have been victimized or if you have information that could be pertinent to the case. You can fill out this form if you have claims to make or information to share.

It is unclear as of this report if the cruise line Royal Caribbean informed guests of this breach of privacy while on board the vessel or as they were disembarking. Since the Harmony of the Seas is a popular vessel for cruise lovers in Louisiana it is quite possible that some Louisiana residents might have been on board during this incident. If you were, please report what you know to the FBI.

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