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A 29-year-old former lawyer in Singapore was sentenced to four weeks in prison last Thursday for secretly taking upskirt videos using a mobile phone hidden inside specially modified bags. Samuel Ye Yixu pleaded guilty to a voyeurism charge after being caught by police officers patrolling a train station. His defense team cited factors such as work-related stress, strained family relationships, and pre-existing mental health conditions as mitigating circumstances. Ye has since left the legal profession. The incident came to light in June when police received an anonymous tip about voyeuristic activity at an MRT station. Officers arrested Ye on June 14 after observing him using a modified bag to record women’s undergarments on an escalator. The prosecution argued that Ye had systematically planned his actions over several months, purchasing items like wine bottles to acquire suitable bags for concealing his phone. According to court documents, he modified these bags to create a small opening through which he could discreetly film women wearing skirts. Defense lawyers presented evidence showing that Ye had struggled with mental health challenges long before the alleged offenses. They stated that he was diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder in late 2018 and underwent therapy for these conditions. His psychological state worsened in early 2023, coinciding with his start as a practicing lawyer. The defense claimed that the demanding nature of his job led to chronic stress, leaving him with minimal time for personal care or relaxation. Additionally, Ye faced difficulties in his relationship with his father, which further contributed to his emotional distress. According to the defense, Ye resorted to voyeurism as a coping mechanism for managing his stress, anxiety, and feelings of dysphoria. His behavior reportedly began in Japan in December 2022, following the breakup with his girlfriend. From mid-2023 onward, he continued this pattern of behavior in Singapore during his daily commute. In April 2024, Ye started using a black bag purchased from a wine store, modifying it to allow his phone to record footage of women’s undergarments. He would follow potential victims on escalators, positioning the bag to capture images from below their skirts before deleting the recordings upon reaching the upper floors. The prosecution requested a sentence of two to three months in prison, emphasizing the frequency and calculated nature of Ye’s actions. Deputy Public Prosecutor Clara Low referenced the police’s Annual Crime Brief 2025, noting that public transportation systems were among the top three locations for voyeurism cases, making up almost 10% of all reported incidents in 2025. She described Ye as highly focused and methodical in executing his crimes, highlighting his weekly routine of recording voyeuristic content for an entire month. In contrast, Ye’s defense team argued against a harsh punishment, requesting instead a short detention order combined with community service or a two-week jail term. They emphasized that Ye felt deep remorse for his actions and had actively sought treatment for his mental health issues starting in August 2023. Despite attending regular psychotherapy sessions, his mental condition deteriorated further after another romantic breakup in April 2024, leading to a surge in voyeuristic behavior. His lawyers noted that Ye had attended his first appointment with a therapist shortly after the arrest, indicating a willingness to address his psychological struggles. The case underscores the intersection of mental health, workplace pressures, and personal relationships in shaping criminal behavior. It also highlights the role of technology in facilitating voyeuristic acts, particularly within public spaces where individuals might feel less vulnerable. As Ye begins serving his sentence, attention will likely turn to how effectively rehabilitation programs can support individuals grappling with complex psychological and social challenges.