A 45-year-old man from Nieuwpoort, identified as S.D., has been released under conditions by the council chamber in Veurne after being detained for two months on suspicion of voyeurism. The allegations stem from incidents that occurred during scout camps in Beringen, Limburg, in the summers of 2023 and 2024, where he reportedly used hidden cameras to film in the showers of the Seascouts 8ste FOS ‘t Vloedgat.
The scout camp was abruptly halted last year when the hidden camera was discovered by camp leaders, prompting a police complaint. For months, the identity of the suspect remained unknown until S.D., who was present at the camp as a cook, came under investigation. In February 2025, new evidence emerged against him, leading to his arrest.
According to the prosecutor's office in Veurne, S.D. now faces charges of voyeurism, with ten adult victims identified in connection with the case. The prosecutor's office reported that S.D. had been in custody since February, following a confession regarding his actions at the scout camp.
Moreover, investigations are ongoing into whether S.D. filmed in his workplace, the town hall of Nieuwpoort, where he worked as a civil servant in the public domain and the mobility department. The prosecutor has requested a judicial investigation to determine if any illicit recordings were made in that environment.
As a result of the allegations, S.D. was fired from his position at the town hall and has since lost access to the building. His lawyer, Filip De Reuse, confirmed that the council chamber decided to release him under conditions but declined to disclose further details regarding those conditions or the specifics of the case.
During the court proceedings, the council chamber ruled that while S.D. could be released, the investigation is far from over. The Veurne department of the West Flanders Public Prosecutor's Office has indicated that they will not appeal the decision to release him, allowing the investigation to continue without his detention.
The incidents at the scout camp have raised significant concerns about safety and privacy, especially in environments meant for youth activities. The Seascouts organization has expressed their shock and dismay over the situation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all participants in their programs.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of S.D.'s actions continue to ripple through the community, prompting discussions about the measures in place to protect individuals in similar settings. The case has also sparked a broader conversation about voyeurism and the legal ramifications associated with such behavior.
The next steps in the legal process will be closely monitored as more information becomes available. As of now, S.D. remains under scrutiny, with the ongoing investigation likely to reveal further details about the extent of his actions during the scout camps and any potential misconduct in his professional role.
The community is left grappling with the aftermath of these revelations, as the focus shifts toward ensuring that such violations of trust do not occur in the future. The Seascouts organization, alongside local authorities, is expected to implement stricter guidelines and oversight to safeguard the well-being of all participants.
