A resident of Vladivostok has been fined $800 after purchasing a "spy" cigarette lighter through a U.S. online store, a news report said.
The man, who was not identified, ordered a cigarette lighter equipped with a tiny camera out of curiosity while browsing for a cell phone repair kit, local news site OTV reported Wednesday.
He was detained by a police officer upon receiving the package at the post office, the report said.
Avrora Rimskaya, a spokesperson for the regional Investigative Committee, said that only the security services had the right to use hidden cameras and audio equipment — and only in certain circumstances.
Hidden cameras also violate the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution, she was cited as saying by OTV.
After a half-hour trial, the man was found guilty of illegally acquiring the hidden camera and fined 50,000 rubles ($800).
