Cover image via Douyin
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Two women who recently checked into a guesthouse in Chengdu, China, were shocked to discover a hidden camera inside the air-conditioning duct of their room
On Monday night, 2 February, the pair shared a video of the incident on Douyin.
One of the women said they had booked the room in a guesthouse for just over 90 yuan (about RM50). After checking in and resting for a bit, she began casually scanning the room after suddenly thinking about hidden cameras.
Unfortunately, she did notice something unusual — a tiny round hole on the air-conditioning duct mounted in the corner of the room.
When she shone her phone flashlight at the hole, a small red light reflected back, raising alarm.
The two immediately reported the matter to the police.
After dismantling the air-conditioning duct, police confirmed that a pinhole camera had been installed inside
Footage shows officers inspecting the room and removing the device.
The video quickly went viral, with many netizens praising the women for their alertness while reminding others to stay cautious of hidden cameras when staying in hotels or guesthouses.
On 3 February, the Chengdu Public Security Bureau released a statement confirming that it immediately launched an investigation
According to SINA, by the evening of the next day, police tracked down and arrested two male suspects, aged 23 and 26, at another location.
Investigations revealed the two men had taken advantage of their stay at the guesthouse to install a self-made recording device inside the air-conditioning duct to secretly film future guests' private activities.
Police said the suspects had no connection to the guesthouse owner.
"The equipment involved and stored contents have been lawfully seized as evidence, and no videos have been found to be distributed or used for other illegal purposes. The case remains under further investigation.
"The two suspects have been placed under criminal compulsory measures on suspicion of illegally using specialised eavesdropping and filming equipment," the statement read.
Authorities added that police, together with relevant departments, have inspected more than 100 hotels in the surrounding area following the incident.
The public has been reminded to remain vigilant when staying in hotels or homestays by checking areas where devices may be concealed, such as air-conditioners, power sockets, and smoke detectors
"If any suspicious situation is found, report it immediately. The police will investigate and handle the matter according to the law," said the police.
