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IN Malaysia, the public’s fear of being spied upon became real after a video emerged purporting to show a VIP’s sexual escapades a few years ago. It is believed that the sale of hidden spy devices and detectors rose when video clips of the exploits went viral. And then there was the time when many hidden spy cameras were detected in a senior politician’s office.

So if you hold a sensitive position in the private or public sector and are moving or relocating to a new office and home, it is advisable to conduct technical surveillance counter measure (TSCM) inspections to uncover possible surveillance devices. This is one way to protect information about assets, maintain privacy, including confidentiality of meetings and conferences, and identify security weaknesses.

TSCM inspections – also known as bug sweeping or debugging – is a procedure for locating covert surveillance devices such as audio and video transmitters in offices, homes and vehicles. Spy gadgets today have advanced technology, are sophisticated, complex and small in size, with long battery life and access to wireless networks designed to collect information in audio, video and data formats. They are easily available on the market and anyone can purchase and use them to invade our privacy. Many people have bought hidden spy detectors from shops on Jalan Pasar, Kuala Lumpur, or online at between RM65 and RM150 a unit. I believe that local private investigators often charge up to RM10,000 or more to spy on high-profile personalities.

Forbes magazine wrote: “Are you afraid that hidden cameras might be spying on you when you travel? In 2020, the concern about spycams in hotels and vacation rentals can no longer be dismissed as far-fetched.” Typically, these covert devices are embedded in inno-cuous-looking items such as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, phone charging outlets and even shampoo bottles and deodorant sticks. They have been discovered in hostels and hotels all over the world. TV news broadcaster CNN reported that in South Korea, a crime ring was busted after secretly filming and live-streaming the actions of more than 1,600 motel guests.

A good quality spy camera can fit into an area that provides hard-wired power to it. In hotel rooms, the area near a high-definition television or digital TV box is a popular spot to set up such a device, as the TV in most rooms faces the bed. Other areas that can camouflage cameras or listening devices are the mirrors, hair dryer holders, curtains, paintings and smoke detectors. Cameras can also be hidden in the wall near electric plug sockets and tissue boxes. To detect hidden cameras in hotels, a good wireless camera signals sweeper is required that must be able to sweep up to 6GHz. The hidden lens may not be easy to detect by the untrained eye and some of the latest spycams are concealed under tinted surfaces, which make detection almost impossible.

Hard-wired cameras can only be detected by technical surveillance counter measure (TSCM) professionals. If you don’t have access to such expertise, the best advice is not to always ask for the same room in your favourite hotel, as is the habit of some business travellers.

Third-generation, or 3G, phones are said to be harder to monitor because they use digital encoded and compressed transmission. However, it is possible to intercept communications and decrypt the audio with the help of the right technical equipment used by surveillance specialists or telecommunications companies.

Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar used a satellite phone to communicate with his family while on the run to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. But the authorities still managed to wiretap Escobar’s phone and successfully triangulate his location; he was gunned down on a rooftop in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia, in December 1992. Hiring a TSCM company requires thorough due diligence and background checks to ensure its reliability and the integrity of the consultants. They could be double agents and their integrity questionable. Confidentiality must be guaranteed.

A close friend who was a former Special Branch officer told me once that “Everything around us is unsafe”. Trust only your mother. A pertinent reminder to all of us who own smartphones.

Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar, Director, Institute of Crime and Criminology, HELP University

- The views expressed here are the views of the writer Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.

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