A former director of engineering at The Pokémon Company's Bellevue, Washington headquarters is now the subject of a class-action lawsuit following the discovery of hidden cameras in an office bathroom. Ben Tsai, 45, who was previously the engineering lead, was initially charged with first-degree voyeurism in January after a camera was found in a Starbucks bathroom. Subsequent investigations revealed alleged camera placements in a Safeway store, his home, and the company's offices.
Tsai also faces charges related to dealing and possessing child sexual abuse content, with allegations of hundreds of videos depicting nudity, some reportedly recorded by him personally. He has denied all charges. According to The Seattle Times, Tsai is no longer employed by The Pokémon Company, having left after the initial January charges. A spokesperson for the company stated, "Our focus remains on the well-being of our employees."
The class-action lawsuit, filed by an unnamed plaintiff under Washington's anti-discrimination laws, seeks to represent all women and girls who may have used the company's female restroom facilities between 2017 and 2026. The suit contends that Tsai may have intended to distribute the recorded footage, with attorney Alex Dietz stating, "Seeing someone who is engaged in the extensive amount of voyeurism and conduct that he's been charged with, the idea that this was all just for his own personal use and that there was no distribution seems doubtful."
In addition to actions against Tsai, the lawsuit targets The Pokémon Company, alleging negligence in its duty to protect employees. The suit claims the company failed to identify Tsai as a potential threat or control his actions. Tsai remains in custody on bail.