A 34-year-old Royal Caribbean cruise ship employee, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being caught planting hidden cameras in guests’ rooms, including children as young as 2. Mirasol, a Philippine national who worked as a cabin attendant on the Symphony of the Seas, was detained at sea after a girl found a hidden camera in her room under the sink. He was later arrested by Broward County deputies and fired from his job. Mirasol admitted to spying on young girls since starting his job in December 2023, placing hidden cameras in multiple rooms, and secretly recording children exiting the shower by hiding under their beds.
Investigators found numerous videos of children in various stages of undress on Mirasol’s electronic devices. The videos focused on the children’s genitals, with one video even showing him installing a camera in a guest’s bathroom. The children in the videos were as young as 2 and as old as 17, with one video featuring a 10-year-old girl undressing and showering with the focus on her genitals. Authorities also found voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol’s phone, indicating a disturbing pattern of behavior that targeted teenage girls over the age of 16.
Royal Caribbean stated that they immediately reported the incident to law enforcement and terminated Mirasol once they became aware of the allegations. The company expressed zero tolerance for such behavior, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their guests. Mirasol’s actions violated the trust placed in him as a member of the cruise ship’s crew, and his sentence reflects the severity of the offense. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing and responding to crimes of this nature, especially given the vulnerability of guests on cruise ships.
Mirasol’s predatory behavior and disregard for the privacy and safety of guests, especially children, underscore the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future. His admission to intentionally targeting certain rooms based on his preferences indicates a troubling pattern of behavior that went unchecked for a significant period. The discovery of hidden cameras and voyeuristic recordings in guests’ rooms raises concerns about the security protocols in place on cruise ships and the potential vulnerabilities that exist for passengers.
The impact of Mirasol’s actions on the victims, particularly the children involved, cannot be understated. The violation of their privacy and dignity through secret recordings is a serious offense that can have long-lasting effects on their well-being. The sentencing of 30 years in prison reflects the gravity of the crimes committed by Mirasol and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar behavior. It also sends a strong message about the consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gratification, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in cases of child sexual abuse material production.
