UPDATE: A Perth father-of-three was sentenced to 7 years and 4 months in prison for hacking into the personal data of numerous women using a deceptive WiFi network. Michael Clapsis, aged 44, was found guilty of creating “evil twin” WiFi networks to capture intimate images and videos of unsuspecting victims, including a 17-year-old girl.
The verdict was delivered on Friday, October 20, 2024, in the Perth District Court. Authorities revealed that Clapsis had amassed a disturbing collection of thousands of intimate materials over nearly a decade, showcasing a hidden life of voyeurism while maintaining a facade of normalcy as an IT professional earning $160,000 annually.
Clapsis was arrested in April 2024 at Perth Airport after an airline employee flagged a suspicious WiFi network during a domestic flight. Subsequent investigations by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) led to the discovery of a portable wireless device, a laptop, and a mobile phone containing explicit content on his devices.
In court, it was disclosed that Clapsis used the fake WiFi networks to lure users, deceiving them into thinking they were connecting to legitimate services. Once apprehended, he attempted to mislead authorities by providing incorrect access codes and deleting nearly 2,000 images before police could review his data.
Victims expressed their trauma in court letters, with one stating, “No one should ever have to go through this,” and describing feelings of constant surveillance and vulnerability. Another victim, a former colleague of Clapsis, detailed her horror upon learning that he had downloaded images of her in police uniform.
Throughout the investigation, Clapsis also unlawfully accessed confidential meetings between his employer and the AFP, showcasing a calculated effort to exploit his IT skills for illegal activities. His lawyer, Anthony Ayres, emphasized that Clapsis acted alone and was driven by sexual voyeurism, not financial gain.
Judge Darren Renton highlighted the severity of Clapsis’ actions, sentencing him with eligibility for parole after 3 years and 8 months. Clapsis had been diagnosed with level one autism spectrum disorder, but the court ruled this was not linked to his criminal behavior, although he exhibited signs of voyeurism disorder.
As details of this case continue to emerge, the impact on the victims remains profound. The community is urged to stay vigilant against similar violations of privacy. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in seemingly innocent technology, emphasizing the need for awareness and protection in our digital lives.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. Share your thoughts and experiences with digital privacy to join the conversation.
