A POLICE officer placed spy cameras in tissue boxes and alarm clocks to secretly film dozens of naked women in hotel rooms.

Detective Inspector Neil Corbel has pleaded guilty to 19 counts of voyeurism with the intention of obtaining sexual gratification by looking at the recordings.

The offences took place within the Brighton, Greater London and Manchester areas between January 2017 and February 2020.

Corbel, who worked in the Metropolitan Police’s continuous policing improvement command, recorded women using spy cameras hidden in phone chargers, alarm clocks, a laptop, tissue box and an air freshener in hotel rooms and Airbnb properties.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Monday, September 13, that footage of around 50 women was found on Corbel’s computer hard drive.

The Argus: Detective Inspector Neil Corbel has pleaded guilty to 19 counts of voyeurismDetective Inspector Neil Corbel has pleaded guilty to 19 counts of voyeurism

The 40-year-old was not on duty at the time, according to the Met.

Detective Chief Superintendent Marcus Barnett, head of the Met's central east command unit which investigated Corbel, said the offences were “grave and troubling”.

"The investigation has been complex, and I know that the team who have investigated this have worked incredibly hard,” he said.

"It is vital that the public feel that they can trust the police and, if an officer undermines that trust, it is important that their crimes are investigated thoroughly and robustly."

Corbel, who is currently suspended from duty, was charged on 11 August.

The Met’s directorate of professional standards has been contacted.

Corbel is due to be sentenced next month.

Misconduct proceedings will then follow.

Detective Chief Superintendent Barnett added: "The victims in this case have shown incredible strength throughout the investigation and I would like to thank them for their courage and patience throughout.

"I am truly disappointed in the actions of the officer which are not at all representative of the high values and standards we expect, and I am saddened by the pain and hurt that he has caused.”