BBC journalist Larry Madowo has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding a Russian man accused of secretly recording African women during encounters in several countries.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Madowo urged women who may have crossed paths with the man to come forward confidentially.
He appealed to those who met him in Kenya, Ghana, or elsewhere to reach out privately, stressing the importance of protecting potential victims.
Madowo’s remarks come amid mounting public outrage over videos circulating online that allegedly show women being filmed without their consent. The clips, widely shared on social media, have triggered debates about privacy, exploitation, and digital safety.
According to reports, the man allegedly used smart glasses with built-in cameras to discreetly capture footage during conversations and private moments.
Many of the women appear unaware they were being recorded, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
In his post, Madowo emphasized that consent to speak to someone or spend time with them does not amount to consent to being filmed.
He noted that secretly recording and sharing such content strips women of dignity and control over their personal lives.
The BBC journalist also highlighted the power imbalance at play, pointing out how technology can be weaponized to exploit trust. He cautioned that such actions may violate privacy laws in multiple jurisdictions, even if they occur across borders.
Madowo’s call has been widely praised by human rights advocates and social media users who see it as a crucial step toward accountability.
By asking affected women to reach out privately, he aimed to create a safe channel for information without exposing victims to further harm.
The controversy has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of cybercrime and privacy laws in African countries. Activists argue that perpetrators often rely on legal gray areas and victims’ silence to evade consequences.
As investigations remain unclear, Madowo’s intervention has shifted focus toward the voices of women who may have been affected.
His message underscores a broader warning: in the digital age, consent, respect, and accountability must remain non-negotiable.