Hidden Camera in Shirt Button: Man Fined UAH 17,000 for Cheating on Driving Theory Exam

A court in Ukraine’s Ternopil region has found a man guilty of attempting to fraudulently pass a driving theory exam using concealed surveillance equipment.

The incident took place in July 2025 at a service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. During the exam, the man used specially modified clothing: a miniature video camera was hidden inside a button on his shirt. He was also equipped with a microphone and a portable power bank.

The violation was detected by staff at the service center, who reported suspicious behavior. A subsequent forensic examination confirmed that the equipment qualified as special technical devices for covert information gathering — tools that are legally restricted and may only be used by authorized law enforcement agencies.

Following the discovery, criminal proceedings were initiated.

In March 2026, the court delivered its verdict, finding the man guilty. Taking into account his cooperation with the investigation, the court imposed a fine of 17,000 Ukrainian hryvnias. All equipment used in the scheme was confiscated.

Officials at the service centers emphasize that any attempt to interfere with or bypass official examination procedures — especially through the use of covert technology — carries legal consequences and may result in criminal liability.