Investigation found no hidden cameras in electrical outlets of BC Airbnb, police say

A three-month investigation has found that there was no foul play regarding hidden cameras in an Airbnb in Sechelt.

The investigation began in March after a group of friends reported to Sunshine Coast RCMP that they had discovered hidden cameras in their Airbnb.

The 15 women were staying in the house to celebrate a 30th birthday when they found what they believed to be hidden cameras in the outlets inside one the bathroom.

@kennedyallegedly Thank you Tiktok for saving the day #airbnb #stalker #hiddencameras #creepy ♬ original sound - kennedy

After calling the police, Sunshine Coast RCMP were engaged and called upon the assistance of a “specialized unit.”

“Together, it was noted that the outlets did look suspicious. The units were removed and they were sent to the laboratory for forensic and functional examination,” explained an RCMP release.

“On June 30, Sunshine Coast RCMP were advised that after examination of the electrical outlets, it was confirmed that they were in fact electrical outlets and did not contain cameras, lenses or any type of storage (or) recording devices.”

The accusations received extra attention after one of the women staying at the house documented the discovery and their concerns on TikTok.

An initial video detailing the situation received 7.6 million views on TikTok, while a follow-up video of one of the women removing the outlet cover was watched 2.5 million times.

@kennedyallegedly Replying to @JadeSierraZulu more behind the scenes footage of us being detectives and finding a hidden camera in our #airbnb #creepy #stalker #scary ♬ original sound - kennedy

Mixed among the thousands of comments on both videos were some saying that the small light they believed to be a camera was simply a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI).

“It’s a warning light,” wrote one user. “It turns on when (the) circuit gets blown.” Another chimed in with, “wait wait! You thought the GFI light was a camera?”

The Sunshine Coast RCMP says the complainants, homeowner and Airbnb have all been notified about the results of the investigation.

In March, Airbnb suspended the listing pending the police investigation, but confirmed to NowMedia today that the host has now been reinstated.

“Airbnb is thankful to the Sunshine Coast RCMP for their investigation, and our hope is that the guests are reassured by their findings,” the company said in an emailed statement.

“Our stance remains firm – hidden cameras are prohibited on Airbnb, and issues of that nature on our platform are incredibly rare."

Airbnb had no comment on whether the host would be entitled to any compensation for lost rental income during the investigation.