127 further charges over alleged illegal recording device at Melbourne hospitals

A further 127 charges have been laid by Victorian detectives from Mernda Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team after the alleged discovery of an illegal recording device at Melbourne hospitals. These are in addition to six charges laid last month, which related to alleged offending initially identified at the Austin Hospital.

The additional charges were laid against a 27-year-old man on Wednesday, 20 August and relate to alleged offending at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The charges relate to stalking, producing intimate images and installing an optical surveillance device.

“It’s alleged a mobile phone was used as a recording device in staff toilets at all three hospitals named so far,” Victoria Police stated on 21 August. “The investigation is continuing, with further medical facilities where the man worked between 2020 and 2025 still of interest.

“Police expect to identify further alleged victims; however, working through this process is expected to take some time,” Victoria Police continued. “As the investigation remains ongoing, further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

The 27-year-old Croydon man was due to appear at the Supreme Court on 22 August.

Victoria Police has urged anyone with any information that can assist investigators to contact Crime Stoppers on www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or via 1800 333 000.

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