'Is a Successful Wife at Work Suspicious?'... Illegal Spouse Surveillance, Equipment and Methods Beyond Imagination

Among those undergoing divorce procedures, 20%... Advanced technology increases by 60% compared to 10 years ago

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[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jinsoo Lee] As spy technology advances day by day, the number of suspicious spouses secretly monitoring their partners is also rapidly increasing.

The British daily The Independent recently reported, citing data from the local law firm McGuire Family Law, that 20% of those undergoing divorce proceedings illegally monitor their partners.

One out of five clients at the law firm commits such acts. This represents a 60% increase compared to 10 years ago. A decade ago, at most, VHS or camcorders were used, but now, with technological advancements, all kinds of devices are employed for surveillance. James McGuire, head of McGuire Family Law, said, "They use location tracking devices, vehicle black boxes, and even install spy software on their partner’s mobile phones."

Roger Bescoby, director of the London-based security company Conflict International, said, "The equipment used is very diverse, and the hiding places are beyond imagination, including stuffed toys, cereal boxes, and decorative model boats."

Such behavior that betrays a spouse’s trust is more often committed by men than women. As women’s status in the workplace rises, more men suspect their wives of infidelity.

Of course, women also monitor their partners, but this is often to protect themselves. It is to collect evidence in case domestic violence occurs.

Spouse surveillance must be approached with caution because legal responsibility may arise. Illegally obtained surveillance records are often not accepted in court. Above all, one can be punished for invading privacy.