In a disturbing case that has rocked Glasgow, a doctor has been jailed for secretly installing spy cameras in bathroom air fresheners and a smoke alarm to record over 30 people, including colleagues and Airbnb guests, in private moments. Yu Young Um, 34, claimed his actions stemmed from insecurities about his "small penis" linked to a suspected teenage diagnosis of gigantism. However, a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court rejected his defense, convicting him of 23 charges under the Sexual Offences Act for acts committed between November 2020 and August 2023.
A Calculated Breach of Trust
Um, an anaesthetist who worked in Glasgow and at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, hid tiny cameras in air fresheners and a smoke alarm in the bathroom and spare bedroom of his Hyndland flat, which he partially rented out on Airbnb. He also covertly filmed a colleague in staff accommodation at the infirmary. The recordings captured victims—21 men and nine women, including four fellow doctors—naked, showering, using the toilet, and in some cases, engaging in intimate acts.
The scheme unraveled when a suspicious Airbnb guest noticed two air fresheners oddly positioned toward the toilet and shower. Upon closer inspection, hidden cameras were found inside the plastic containers, and a third device was discovered in a smoke alarm. The victim alerted Police Scotland, leading to the seizure of Um’s mobile phone, laptop, and storage devices, which contained extensive recordings.
Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, condemned Um’s actions: “Ju Young Um carried out these invasive offences in a calculated and premeditated manner. He abused a position of trust to significantly violate the privacy of numerous individuals for his own sexual gratification.”
Victims’ Anguish and Um’s Defense
The trial revealed the profound impact on victims. One doctor, who knew Um from university and was filmed using the toilet after a dinner at his home, expressed feeling “shocked, betrayed, and disgusted” for himself and his wife. Another colleague was recorded nine times over three months while showering and using the toilet.
Um denied any illegal intent, claiming he suffered from body dysmorphia, diagnosed only after his arrest, and used the footage to compare himself to other men due to insecurities about his penis size. He testified that a teenage diagnosis of “suspected gigantism” might have contributed to his condition and said he avoided Google images or pornography to steer clear of illegal or exaggerated content. He also stated he did not compare himself to patients, as they were “people who trusted him.”
Prosecutor Lauren Aitchison challenged Um’s defense, noting, “His diagnosis of body dysmorphia didn’t come until after he was arrested. Why wait until you are caught to get private treatment?” The jury ruled that Um’s actions were for sexual gratification, not medical curiosity.
Sentencing and Aftermath
On May 8, 2025, Sheriff Owen Mullan sentenced Um to 18 months in prison, citing the “shock and distress suffered by victims.” Um was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and will remain on license for nine months post-release, subject to close monitoring.
Detective Sergeant Cameron Gilchrist of Police Scotland said, “Ju Young Um now faces the consequences of his despicable and distressing actions. Our thoughts remain with his victims who had their privacy violated. We hope that his sentencing will bring them some comfort.” He urged others to report sexual crimes, assuring full support from authorities.
Um, who was latterly working as a lecturer, has been suspended from medical practice. His lawyer acknowledged that Um recognized the “harm and distress” caused and admitted his actions were “morally wrong.”
A Call for Vigilance
This case highlights the alarming misuse of hidden recording devices and the devastating betrayal of trust by a medical professional. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that sexual crimes will be thoroughly investigated.
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