FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A 34-year-old Royal Caribbean cruise employee is accused of hiding cameras inside bathrooms of passenger cabins to spy on guests.
Arvin Joseph Mirasol was arrested Sunday on federal charges of production and possession of child pornography after the Symphony of the Seas arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Florida. He also faces six counts of voyeurism in state court.
A guest staying in a cabin where Mirasol was an attendant found a camera in the bathroom Feb. 25. It was “affixed to the counter underneath the sink,” according to the affidavit. She reported the incident to ship officials, who sent security to the room to investigate.
Mirasol, who is a citizen of the Philippines, was detained on the ship until March 3, when it docked in Fort Lauderdale. He was questioned by agents from Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Agents discovered “numerous videos of naked females” as well as images of child sexual abuse while looking at his phone, an SD card and USB stick, the affidavit said. One of the videos showed Mirasol installing a camera in a guest cabin’s bathroom.
In one five minute video, a 10-year-old girl entered the bathroom, removed her clothes and got into the shower, the affidavit said.
Mirasol told investigators he had been placing cameras in bathrooms since he began working on the ship in December.
“I want to control it, but I can’t,” he told investigators, according to the affidavit. He admitted he knew it was illegal to film underage girls. Agents asked him how he chose where to put the cameras. “If I like who is in that room, I place it,” he told them.
In addition to the hidden cameras, Mirasol told agents he went into rooms while guests were taking showers and hid under the bed. He would then record them getting dressed, according to the affidavit.
Royal Caribbean said in a statement that the company has fired Mirasol and is cooperating with the investigation.
“We have zero tolerance for this unacceptable behavior,” the statement said.
Mirasol is represented by Robert Berube of the federal public defender’s office, who said in an email that he would not comment on the case. Mirasol remained in the Broward County Jail on Wednesday.
Recently, shocking allegations have surfaced regarding a Royal Caribbean cabin attendant who is accused of concealing cameras in bathrooms on the cruise ship. This disturbing revelation has raised concerns about passenger safety and privacy while on board.
The allegations came to light when several passengers reported finding hidden cameras in their cabins’ bathrooms. The cameras were reportedly disguised as everyday objects, making them difficult to detect. This discovery has sparked outrage among passengers and has led to an investigation by Royal Caribbean and local authorities.
The cruise line has taken swift action in response to the allegations, immediately removing the cabin attendant from duty and launching a thorough investigation into the matter. They have also issued a statement condemning the actions of the individual and emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety and privacy of their passengers.
Passenger safety and privacy are of utmost importance on cruise ships, as passengers trust that they are in a secure environment while on board. The alleged actions of the cabin attendant have violated this trust and raised serious concerns about the cruise line’s screening and monitoring processes for their staff.
In light of these allegations, it is crucial for cruise lines to review and strengthen their security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This may include implementing stricter background checks for staff, increasing surveillance in public areas, and conducting regular inspections of cabins to ensure the safety of passengers.
It is also important for passengers to remain vigilant while on board and report any suspicious activity to the cruise line immediately. By working together, both cruise lines and passengers can help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone on board.
In conclusion, the allegations of a Royal Caribbean cabin attendant concealing cameras in bathrooms are deeply concerning and highlight the importance of maintaining strict security measures on cruise ships. It is essential for cruise lines to take swift action in response to such incidents and for passengers to remain vigilant while on board. By working together, we can help prevent similar violations of privacy and ensure the safety of all passengers.
