The Harmony of the Seas cruise ship is one of the world’s largest cruise ships with multi-deck water slides, ziplines and surf simulators, and is a family favorite. However, many passengers have questioned their enthusiasm after the discovery of hidden cameras in public bathrooms during a recent voyage.
According to an FBI affidavit supporting the criminal complaint and arrest warrant, a man identified as Jeremy Floyas was killed on April 30, one day after the Royal Caribbean ship departed Miami for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. allegedly hid Fi. A camera in the bathroom on the top floor points the lens toward the toilet. Restrooms were located near the ship’s surfing simulator, and many passengers used the restrooms to change into their bathing suits.
The next day, the camera was discovered by a passenger who alerted the ship’s security staff. They found hours of footage showing more than 150 people, including at least 40 believed to be minors.
The ship docked in Puerto Rico, where the FBI arrested Mr. Froias and charged him with video voyeurism and attempted possession of child exploitation material.
The affidavit states that “people have been seen entering the restroom to use the restroom or to change into their bathing suits.” “Froias’ cameras captured these individuals at various stages of undressing, including videos of bare genitals, buttocks and female breasts.”
Mr. Floyas is a former cybersecurity officer for the city of Kissimmee, Central Florida. According to his affidavit, footage recovered from the camera showed Floyas setting up the device. In an interview with a cruise ship security guard on May 1, he admitted to leaving a camera in his bathroom, according to court documents.
San Juan-based attorney Leo Aldridge, representing Floyas, declined to answer questions about the case. “Mr. Floyas has not been charged at this time. Therefore, he has not been formally charged with criminal charges at this time and therefore has no comment,” he said in a statement.
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.
Froias appeared at a detention hearing in Puerto Rico this week, and a federal judge ordered his release on the condition that he post $25,000 bail, wear an electronic surveillance device and surrender his passport. . He is not allowed internet access or unsupervised contact with minors under the age of 18, including his two children.
Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime attorney who has represented victims in other burglary cases, questioned the bail amount. “While a $25,000 bond may be appropriate for a single victim, FBI affidavits suggest a bond of $1,000,000, given at least 150 victims and dozens of children. He said he was contacted by a passenger who was aboard the Harmony of the Seas during the incident.
Passengers said Royal Caribbean did not notify them of the hidden cameras during and after the flight. They said they learned through the media, FBI Notice Requesting Identification of Potential Victims.
April Weisz, 52, who was on the cruise with her husband and niece, said it was horrifying that the passengers and their children were secretly filmed naked in the bathroom. “Thankfully we didn’t use that restroom, but there were thousands of people on board, and I don’t know if they’re still being filmed.” Failure to contact the victims is unacceptable.”
Royal Caribbean declined to comment, but said in an email:problem Local and federal law enforcement were immediately reported, and the guests involved were removed from the ship for further investigation by authorities. As this is an ongoing case, we are unable to share any further details at this time. ”
It’s not the first time something like this has happened on a cruise ship. MSC Cruises crew in March Caught filming a woman in the bathroomIn 2017, a family found a hidden camera pointed at their bed in a cabin on the Carnival Fantasy, but after conducting an investigation, the cruise company said the camera was not working.
“These days, predators can easily buy small, cheap cameras,” says Wise. “Their checks should be part of cruise ship security protocols.”
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