Celebrity Beyond Passenger Arrested Over Hidden Camera in Restroom

Federal authorities arrested a passenger from Celebrity Beyond after investigators say a concealed camera was found in a public restroom during a Caribbean cruise. Robert Qi Peng, of Charlotte, North Carolina, is charged with unlawful video voyeurism following an investigation involving the ship’s security team, the FBI, and port officials in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The case emerged as federal agents also reported multiple drug-smuggling interceptions at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas in March and April, according to court records cited in related filings.

How the shipboard investigation unfolded

Court records say the incident surfaced during an itinerary that began in Miami and included ports in the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The ship departed Miami on March 30 and later called at Cabo Macoris in the Dominican Republic, according to the court record.

Soon after the ship left Cabo Macoris on March 31, crew members cleaning a unisex public restroom found what appeared to be a pen that contained a small video camera, court records state. The device was described in filings as being concealed under discarded hand towels, and the ship’s chief security officer contacted the FBI after it was discovered.

After the device was found, shipboard security reviewed surveillance video from outside the restroom area, which showed multiple passengers entering earlier that day, according to court filings. Investigators focused on nine passengers seen going into the restroom during the relevant timeframe, and prosecutors allege Peng was among those identified on the ship’s security footage.

What investigators allege was recorded

When Celebrity Beyond arrived in St. Thomas on April 1 and docked at Crown Bay, FBI agents and Port Authority personnel examined the device and reviewed its memory card, according to charging documents. Prosecutors allege the video shows the camera being positioned to record the toilet area before capturing subsequent restroom use.

The reviewed recording ran for about 90 minutes and shows multiple people using the toilet, according to court documents. Investigators also allege that a later review of material on Peng’s laptop turned up additional videos, including footage that showed at least one child in the restroom.

During an interview with FBI agents, Peng allegedly admitted he placed the pen camera in the restroom. Court records say he told investigators he began making secret restroom recordings as the ship left Miami on March 30, and that he had purchased similar “spy” cameras earlier this year.

Peng was removed from the ship after the allegations came to light, and the cruise continued without him.

Court appearance, release conditions, and possible penalties

Peng appeared in U.S. District Court on April 2. U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague ordered his release on a $1,000 bond, according to court records.

As conditions of release, the judge ordered Peng not to use any hidden or covert recording devices while the case proceeds. The judge also directed him to continue looking for employment, court records show.

Peng faces one count of unlawful video voyeurism. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, according to the charging documents.

Voyage details and where the case is being handled

The case stems from a weeklong sailing that included stops in the Dominican Republic and the northeastern Caribbean. CruiseMapper’s published itinerary information for the voyage lists calls in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Kitts before returning to PortMiami on Easter Sunday.

The criminal case is being handled ashore in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the ship docked after the device was found and where federal agents took investigative steps described in the court record. No official statement from Celebrity Cruises was included in the available reports.

Separate drug-smuggling cases reported at St. Thomas airport

In separate matters, federal agents detailed multiple drug interdictions at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, with several cases resulting in arrests and federal charges, according to court records.

• April 2: Customs and Border Patrol narcotics-detecting dog Molly flagged a large pink suitcase linked to Damian Travis Blaskesley of Clearlake, California, according to court records. Agents found 20 sealed black bundles containing 22.2 pounds of cannabis, records state, and Blaskesley was charged with possession with intent to distribute cannabis and released on $1,000 bail.
• March 3: CBP officers arrested Avante George, a resident of St. Thomas, after a K-9 unit flagged a blue suitcase that contained more than 15 pounds of cannabis, according to court records. George allegedly admitted ownership and intent to sell the marijuana; he was charged with possession with intent to distribute cannabis and released on $5,000 bail.
• March 3: CBP Agricultural Specialists detected anomalies in two bags bound for New York, and K-9 units identified more than 15.5 pounds of cocaine hidden within suitcase linings, according to court records. Leroy Gail Leslie, described in records as the suitcases’ alleged owner, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; court records also noted a prior unlawful immigration status in 2012 and that he has since become a U.S. citizen. Facing up to 10 years in prison, Leslie was held without bail, according to court records.

The voyeurism case and the airport drug cases are proceeding separately through the federal court process, with upcoming filings and hearings expected to determine next steps in each matter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the allegation against the Celebrity Beyond passenger?

Federal prosecutors allege the passenger hid a pen-style camera in a public unisex restroom to record the toilet area and captured video of multiple people using the restroom.

Where and when was the hidden camera discovered?

Crew members found the device during cleaning on March 31, shortly after the ship departed Cabo Macoris in the Dominican Republic, according to court records.

What restrictions were placed on the defendant after release on bond?

A magistrate judge ordered him not to use covert recording devices while the case is pending and directed him to continue seeking employment, according to court records.

What penalties could the charge carry if there is a conviction?

The charge cited in court documents carries potential penalties of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.