Sim Siong Chye : Singapore Diplomat Fined for Filming Naked Boy in Tokyo Bath

A Singaporean diplomat faced a fine of 300,000 yen (approximately S$2,580) after being found guilty of filming a naked boy in a public bath in Tokyo, Japan. The 55-year-old man, identified as Sim Siong Chye, was charged with trespassing and violating the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Anti-Nuisance Ordinance.

Prior to the court ruling, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) clarified that the diplomat, who held the rank of counsellor at the Singapore Embassy in Tokyo, no longer had diplomatic immunity as his posting had ended in mid-April this year. This allowed Japanese authorities to pursue legal action against him.

Reports from Japanese media indicated that the diplomat returned to Japan on June 9 to cooperate with the police investigation following a request from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. The Singapore Embassy in Tokyo has been collaborating with Japanese authorities to aid in the ongoing probe.

Earlier in February, the diplomat was accused of using his mobile phone to secretly film a 13-year-old boy in a public bath’s changing room. Upon inspection of his device, authorities discovered multiple illicit images of male customers. Despite initial reluctance, the diplomat eventually admitted to taking similar photos in other public bath facilities.

The MFA was first made aware of the allegations on May 1 through Japanese media reports. The diplomat failed to disclose the incident until questioned by the ministry, leading to his suspension from official duties. MFA expressed willingness to waive diplomatic immunity to support the investigation, pending verification of the claims.

The case has raised concerns over diplomatic conduct and adherence to international regulations. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and respecting local laws while representing one’s country abroad.