Former snack bar owner prosecuted for secretly filming customers and staff in restroom

A former snack bar owner in the Dutch town of Werkendam is being prosecuted for secretly filming his staff and customers in the restroom and shower, the Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed to local broadcaster Omroep Brabant.

Police raided the eatery in the municipality of Altena more than a year ago after staff stumbled on thousands of images and videos captured with hidden cameras. Employees had made the discovery by chance while the owner was away for the day and opened his laptop. They found footage of themselves, of colleagues, and of the owner's friends, and called the police immediately.

Some staff showered in the bathroom above the snack bar after their shifts, for example before going out. Another camera, according to employees, was hidden in the women's toilet on the premises. The prosecutor's office has not disclosed how many people were secretly recorded, but several former employees filed police reports last year.

The investigation has now been wrapped up. The man is suspected of secretly making nude photos or sexual videos and of possessing them. He is not in custody. After the footage was discovered the snack bar closed. It has since been sold and operates under a new name.