Former Singapore diplomat under investigation for voyeurism in Tokyo

A former counsellor at the Singapore Embassy in Japan is facing allegations of voyeurism, including secretly filming a teenage boy at a public bath in Tokyo, according to reports from Asahi Shimbun on 2 May.

The 55-year-old, who has not been publicly named, was reportedly caught on 27 February using a smartphone to film a nude 13-year-old male teenager in the changing room of a men’s public bath.

Security footage from the venue captured the diplomat pointing his phone at other patrons, leading to his identification by an employee. The incident occurred in Tokyo’s Minato ward, where the Singapore embassy is also located.

He declined to give his smartphone to the police and, at the request of the student’s parents, deleted the photos he had taken of the boy that night.

Reportedly, the police officer requested the diplomat come to the station voluntarily, but while the diplomat said, “I will answer questions here,” he refused to go.

The police discovered over 700 images on the diplomat’s phone, which he admitted to deleting on the night of the incident. He reportedly told officers that he regretted his actions and could not explain why he committed them. The man was not charged.

The embassy confirmed with Asahi Shimbun that the diplomat had completed his duty in Tokyo and returned to Singapore on 12 April and said it was not aware of the filming incident until the press reported on it.

In response to the allegations, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated, “We are aware of the situation and have reached out to Tokyo authorities for further information. MFA expects all its staff to uphold the highest standards of conduct and comply with the laws of host countries.”

The ministry has committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and taking necessary actions based on its findings.

Tokyo police are  investigating the man for potential violations of child pornography laws and unauthorized filming.

Despite his diplomatic status, which prevents arrest under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the police are considering pressing charges and have gathered evidence to support potential prosecution.

The authorities are in talks with MFA to have the individual present himself for questioning.