A Singaporean doctor in Australia, Dr Ryan Cho, has been hit with five additional charges regarding allegations of secretly filming his colleagues in hospital toilets. The new charges include producing intimate images and using an optical surveillance device, among others. This comes after a significant police investigation revealed that Cho allegedly recorded over 4,500 intimate videos involving at least 460 victims.
Background of the Case
Dr Cho, 27, first faced charges earlier this month after a nurse discovered a phone hidden in a mesh bag in a staff toilet at The Austin Hospital in Melbourne. Initial investigations suggested that the phone had been recording for an extended period before being reported to the police.
The Alarming Findings
- Videos allegedly captured between 2021 and 2025.
- Most victims identified were female medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics.
- Footage was reportedly organised into folders by victims’ names and workplaces.
According to court documents, the recordings showed victims in vulnerable situations, raising serious concerns about privacy and consent in professional environments.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, police seized numerous devices, including two mobile phones, a laptop, and additional recording equipment. One of the phones reportedly contained three hours of videos. Dr Cho has denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court again in November.
Impact on Professional Career
As a permanent resident who graduated from Monash University in 2022, Cho’s medical registration has been suspended, preventing him from practising medicine in Australia. The ongoing investigations highlight not only the severity of the allegations but also the potential long-term repercussions for his career.
While Cho contests the charges, the case has attracted significant media attention, drawing issues of misconduct in healthcare settings into sharp focus.