UPDATE: A junior doctor, Ryan Cho, is facing a staggering escalation in legal troubles as authorities confirm he may be charged with hundreds more offenses related to allegedly filming staff and patients in bathrooms across three hospitals in Melbourne. Just two days after being hit with 127 new charges, Cho appeared in the Victorian Supreme Court on the morning of July 14, 2023, as his legal team revealed that the total number of charges could grow significantly.
The courtroom was packed with over two dozen attendees, including Cho’s parents who traveled from Singapore to support their son. His barrister, Julian McMahon SC, disclosed the alarming possibility that Cho could face “hundreds” of new charges before the year concludes. “The number of charges is high and is apparently going to grow by some hundreds over the remainder of the year,” McMahon stated, hinting at the complexity of Cho’s situation involving potential psychiatric issues alongside criminal conduct.
Authorities allege that Cho, aged 27, presents an “unacceptable risk” for bail due to three main concerns: failing to attend court, potential witness tampering, and public safety risks. To counter these claims, McMahon proposed strict bail conditions, including the supervision of Cho by his parents, who have pledged to stay in Melbourne until the case concludes. His father, Wilson Cho, testified he would limit his son’s access to electronic devices, offer a $50,000 surety, cover his expenses, and report any breaches to police.
Cho’s legal issues began on July 10 when investigators arrested him after a mobile phone was discovered recording in a bathroom at the Austin Hospital, where he worked as a residential surgeon. Following an internal investigation, he was suspended from his position on July 8. Reports indicate that police discovered approximately three hours of footage documenting the setup of the recording device and at least five individuals using the facilities.
Initially charged with stalking and using an optical surveillance device, the charges quickly multiplied. On July 25, police revealed they had uncovered 4,500 intimate images and videos organized on a hard drive, with folders indicating the names of hospitals, including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
In court, Senior Constable Neral Baykur detailed that investigators had identified at least 460 female victims, with folders named after individuals and their workplaces, further complicating the case. An additional 5,222 files were found in a folder labeled “other,” suggesting even more victims may be involved.
Crown prosecutor Russ Hammill argued against granting bail, emphasizing the ongoing investigation that has already seen over 200 statements taken from individuals, with many more expected. “The accumulation of all the facts demonstrates behavior that borders on the obsessive,” Hammill asserted.
As the case unfolds, a spokeswoman for Victoria Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that further medical facilities linked to Cho are under scrutiny. Authorities anticipate identifying additional alleged victims, but the process could take considerable time.
The court is expected to deliver a ruling on Cho’s bail status at 12:30 PM today. The implications of this case extend far beyond the courtroom, touching on issues of privacy, safety, and the trust placed in medical professionals. As this urgent situation develops, the public remains on alert for further updates.
