Ben Tsai, a 45-year-old former engineering manager at The Pokémon Company's Bellevue, Washington headquarters, has recently been named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit. He is accused of secretly installing cameras in the company's women's restrooms to film women and underage girls. Tsai was previously charged with first-degree voyeurism in January 2026 after a hidden camera was discovered in a nearby Starbucks restroom.
Prosecutors further allege that Tsai also installed cameras in a Safeway supermarket, his residence, and restrooms at The Pokémon Company's offices. Police reportedly seized hundreds of videos containing nude content of adults and children, some of which he allegedly filmed himself. Consequently, he faces additional charges, including possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Tsai has denied all allegations and remains in police custody during the bail process.
The lawsuit was filed by an anonymous woman under Washington State's anti-discrimination law, seeking to represent all women and girls who may have used the company's female restrooms between 2017 and 2026. The complaint also suggests that Tsai's alleged recordings were not solely for personal viewing but may have been distributed externally. Attorney Alex Ditz, representing the plaintiffs, stated that given the extensive nature of the alleged voyeurism and related charges, it is difficult to believe that all content was for personal use and never shared.
The lawsuit also targets The Pokémon Company, alleging that the company failed to identify the potential threat posed by Tsai and did not adequately restrict his actions, thereby failing in its duty to protect employees. The Pokémon Company stated that Tsai is no longer employed by the company since his initial indictment in January of this year, and that the company continues to prioritize the physical and mental health and well-being of its employees. The case awaits further clarification through judicial investigation and court proceedings.
via： The Seattle Times