Malaysian Native Guilty of Installing Camera in Airplane Bathroom

HOUSTON – The 50-year-old Malaysian man recently charged with video voyeurism has appeared in federal court and admitted his guilt, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Choon Ping Lee admitted he installed  a video recording device in the first class lavatory of United Airlines Flight 646 from San Diego, California, to Houston on May 5, 2019. 

Another first class passenger had discovered the device in the bathroom after she saw a strange object with a blue blinking light hanging near the door. She gave it to flight attendants who discovered it was a recording device. On the device, authorities observed Lee’s clothing which led to his identification.  

He was taken into custody upon his arrival in Houston Aug. 7, 2019, and has remained in custody since that time. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan accepted Lee’s plea today and imposed a $6,000 fine and two months imprisonment. At the hearing, the court considered a written statement that the passenger who discovered the camera had submitted which detailed how the incident has impacted her sense of safety and security. In it, she emphasized that Lee’s act was not harmless.

Not a U.S. citizen, Lee also is expected to face removal proceedings.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.