Hidden Cameras Expose Online Harassment Trend

A growing global trend involves men secretly recording interactions with women in public spaces and publishing the videos online without consent. In Kenya and Ghana, women featured in such clips have faced significant backlash, including abuse and ridicule, with their actions scrutinized over their morality and dress.

Activists and authorities in both countries have condemned these actions and called for the arrest of a Russian national identified as Vladislav Liulkov, who is allegedly behind some of these videos. Despite his denial of filming women, Liulkov admitted to meeting women in Kenya and Ghana.

The non-consensual videos, sometimes featuring explicit captions, are re-uploaded by social media users, some of whom profit from increased traffic. Authorities have warned that resharing such content constitutes secondary victimisation and is subject to prosecution.

Investigations have geolocated some recordings to malls in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya, and areas near Accra Mall in Ghana. The alleged perpetrator, Liulkov, has been identified by Ghanaian authorities, but his current whereabouts remain unknown. The monetization of these videos through guides and online platforms highlights the financial incentives driving this exploitative practice.