A 45-year-old man from Toronto is facing serious criminal charges after being accused of planting a hidden camera in a female washroom at his workplace in Whitby, Ontario. The alleged scheme reportedly spanned nearly four years, with police claiming it captured images of dozens of women without their knowledge or consent.
Details of the Alleged Voyeurism Incident
According to Toronto Police, the investigation began on January 9, 2026, though the specific trigger for the probe remains undisclosed. Authorities allege that the accused, identified as Francis Ambas, placed a concealed camera inside a restroom at a manufacturing facility located in the Thickson Road and Tricont Avenue area, south of Highway 401. Ambas worked as a custodian at the site.
In a statement released on a Saturday, police revealed that the suspect was found in possession of a media card containing hidden video and audio recordings taken from within the female washroom. This discovery led to further investigative actions by law enforcement.
Additional Evidence Uncovered in Scarborough
On January 29, 2026, officers executed a Criminal Code search warrant at a residence near McCowan Road and Finch Avenue East in Scarborough. During this search, police allege they located numerous additional videos from the hidden camera, bolstering the case against the accused.
Francis Ambas was subsequently arrested and now faces a total of 85 counts of voyeurism. Additionally, he is charged with one count of possession of a Schedule One substance, indicating the discovery of controlled drugs during the investigation.
Police Concerns and Call for Information
Investigators have expressed significant concern about the potential for additional victims in this case. Police believe that anyone who used the female washroom at the Whitby workplace between April 4, 2022, and January 29, 2026, may have been recorded without their knowledge or consent.
To aid in the investigation, authorities have released an image of the accused and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided by calling Toronto Police at 416-808-4100 or contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case highlights ongoing issues related to workplace safety and privacy violations. The alleged actions, if proven, represent a severe breach of trust in a professional environment, raising questions about security measures and employee protections in such facilities.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community in Whitby and surrounding areas is likely to grapple with the unsettling nature of these accusations. Police continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
