Voyeurism Case Summary

In a shocking case of voyeurism, Chong Yong Xuan, a 27-year-old man from Singapore, was sentenced to four months in jail on November 11 for recording upskirt videos of 18 unsuspecting women within a six-month span. This disturbing trend has raised pressing concerns regarding public safety and privacy in the city-state.

Details of the Offense

Chong, who was caught in the act of filming a 35-year-old woman at the Tai Seng MRT station, pleaded guilty to a single charge of voyeurism. He was found with a staggering 27 upskirt videos on his mobile phone and two other devices when arrested in May.

Victim and Witness Accounts

Brought to justice thanks to a vigilant bystander, Chong’s illicit activities were exposed when the witness spotted him filming as he rode an escalator. The witness confronted him, leading to a confrontation with the victim. Despite attempting to deny his actions initially, Chong ultimately confessed and asked the victim for leniency — a request she firmly rejected.

Prosecution's Argument

Deputy Public Prosecutor Daniel Ong revealed that among the videos discovered, 19 were unique recordings, showing a total of 18 women, including the original victim and 17 unidentified women. Chong's voyeuristic spree lasted from November 23, 2023, to May 14, with most incidents occurring in crowded shopping malls, around MRT stations, and on public transport.

Chong's Behavior and Defense

With a disturbing pattern of premeditated behavior, Chong specifically targeted women wearing skirts or dresses for his recording exploits, indicative of a troubling mindset towards exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gratification. DPP Ong emphasized the need for a firm sentence, arguing that Chong's actions demonstrated a persistent disregard for the dignity and privacy of his victims.

In his defense, attorney Jared Lee argued for leniency based on the personal turmoil Chong was facing at the time of the offences. Lee stated that Chong was aware of the significant stress his actions had inflicted on both his family and his victims, expressing remorse for his behavior.

Impact and Legal Consequences

Following the sentencing, Chong was granted a moment to speak with his parents, who were present in court, underscoring the family impact of his choices.

Under Singaporean law, those convicted of voyeurism face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years, fines, and corporal punishment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance needed in public spaces to combat such invasive actions and protect individuals’ rights to privacy. Authorities continue to encourage public awareness and community reporting as critical tools in the fight against voyeurism and similar offences.