Irene Clinic Suspected of Hidden Pinhole Cameras Causes Consumer Fear, 4 Complaints in New Taipei
After a pinhole camera was allegedly found in a smoke detector at Irene Clinic's Banqiao branch in New Taipei, four consumer complaints have been filed with the New Taipei Consumer Protection Officer. Consumers suspect they were secretly filmed and are demanding refunds and compensation.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 18:14
- 🔍 Collected: May 6, 2026 at 18:31 (16 min after Published)
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New Taipei, May 6 (CNA) Following the recent discovery of a suspected pinhole camera within a smoke detector at Irene Clinic's Banqiao branch in New Taipei, prosecutors and police have expanded their investigation. Concurrently, the New Taipei Consumer Protection Officer has received four consumer complaints, with consumers suspecting they were also secretly filmed and demanding refunds and compensation. These cases are being processed according to established procedures for mediation.
Previously, a netizen reported that during a body sculpting session at Irene Aesthetic Clinic's Banqiao branch, while changing clothes in the treatment room, an unidentified device in the corner of the ceiling was suspected of containing a camera lens. Clinic staff insisted it was a smoke detector. After the woman called the police, officers arrived, dismantled the device, confirmed it contained a camera, and subsequently initiated an investigation on suspicion of obstruction of privacy.
Following the spread of news about the suspected hidden pinhole camera at Irene Clinic, some consumers have demanded refunds. A netizen shared in a community that they requested a refund for their course at the Banqiao branch, but the clinic only responded, 'The computer system has been locked; please give us some time for the refund.' Others mentioned that what they 'estimated would be tens of thousands for a refund, turned out to be only a few thousand' and some indicated they would file complaints with the consumer protection officer.
Wang Chih-yu, Chief Consumer Protection Officer of the New Taipei Legal Affairs Bureau, told CNA that after the suspected secret filming incident at Irene Aesthetic Clinic, prosecutors, police, and personnel from the Health Bureau and the City Criminal Investigation Division have investigated four branches in New Taipei. As the investigation is not public, the Consumer Protection Officer has not yet obtained much information, pending the prosecutor's conclusion and clarification of related case details.
He stated that currently, New Taipei has received four complaints regarding consumer disputes with Irene Aesthetic Clinic. Consumers reasonably suspect they are victims of pinhole secret filming, requesting a full refund of all historical consumption amounts, damages, or termination of contracts and reimbursement of remaining balances. These cases are being processed according to consumer dispute complaint handling procedures.
He further explained that since the perpetrator and the actual victims whose privacy was infringed upon are still to be clarified by prosecutors, and the amount of compensation for privacy infringement is not necessarily equal to the amount consumed, negotiation or mediation is quite difficult. As Irene's headquarters is registered in Taipei City, New Taipei's Consumer Protection Officer will collaborate with Taipei's Consumer Protection Officer to launch an administrative investigation into the business and actively strive for consumers' rights. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui)1140506
Previously, a netizen reported that during a body sculpting session at Irene Aesthetic Clinic's Banqiao branch, while changing clothes in the treatment room, an unidentified device in the corner of the ceiling was suspected of containing a camera lens. Clinic staff insisted it was a smoke detector. After the woman called the police, officers arrived, dismantled the device, confirmed it contained a camera, and subsequently initiated an investigation on suspicion of obstruction of privacy.
Following the spread of news about the suspected hidden pinhole camera at Irene Clinic, some consumers have demanded refunds. A netizen shared in a community that they requested a refund for their course at the Banqiao branch, but the clinic only responded, 'The computer system has been locked; please give us some time for the refund.' Others mentioned that what they 'estimated would be tens of thousands for a refund, turned out to be only a few thousand' and some indicated they would file complaints with the consumer protection officer.
Wang Chih-yu, Chief Consumer Protection Officer of the New Taipei Legal Affairs Bureau, told CNA that after the suspected secret filming incident at Irene Aesthetic Clinic, prosecutors, police, and personnel from the Health Bureau and the City Criminal Investigation Division have investigated four branches in New Taipei. As the investigation is not public, the Consumer Protection Officer has not yet obtained much information, pending the prosecutor's conclusion and clarification of related case details.
He stated that currently, New Taipei has received four complaints regarding consumer disputes with Irene Aesthetic Clinic. Consumers reasonably suspect they are victims of pinhole secret filming, requesting a full refund of all historical consumption amounts, damages, or termination of contracts and reimbursement of remaining balances. These cases are being processed according to consumer dispute complaint handling procedures.
He further explained that since the perpetrator and the actual victims whose privacy was infringed upon are still to be clarified by prosecutors, and the amount of compensation for privacy infringement is not necessarily equal to the amount consumed, negotiation or mediation is quite difficult. As Irene's headquarters is registered in Taipei City, New Taipei's Consumer Protection Officer will collaborate with Taipei's Consumer Protection Officer to launch an administrative investigation into the business and actively strive for consumers' rights. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui)1140506