Till a few decades ago, only intelligence agencies used to deploy bugging devices to keep track of their rivals. Not anymore. Technology has made it easy for just about everyone to turn into a snoop, and you can buy spy gadgets on the internet or at a shop in your city.
Common snooping equipment consists of two devices — a transmitter, which sends out voice or video, and another one at a remote location with a receiver and a recorder.
Though the sellers promote them as essentials for surveillance of buyers’ property, a Delhi-based spy product seller claims most of these products are bought by companies or individuals to eavesdrop on others’ conversation. While companies try to steal secrets of rival firms, individuals may want to keep track of their spouses or partners.
Movies and detective series on television play a great role in enhancing people’s knowledge about spy devices and its proliferation. “Our products work like a spy agent just as we have seen in James Bond movies (sic),” writes Mumbai-based Spy Action India Home Products on its portal.
Spy devices available in the market include pen cameras, key ring cameras, wall clock with remote, cameras embedded in lighters, chargers, table clocks and watches.
Some innovative products are GSM-based wireless devices, cameras in buttons, wireless AV camera. These are countered by camera finders and camera lens detector.
According to a Hyderabad-based detective, imports from Russia, Ukraine, Israel, China and Taiwan have brought spy products within the reach of a common man.
“Among individuals, especially, the availability of cheap spy products has exposed the fault lines in relationships. A person who suspects his spouse would have no problem in buying a bugging device” he explained.
Just look at these tempting prices: Wrist watch camera: Rs2,500, bluetooth camera: Rs4,500; car key-chain camera: Rs1,650, button camera:Rs1,800; sunglasses video camera: Rs4,500; GSM voice bug: Rs 2,000; table clock camera Rs3,999; universal plug spy camera Rs4,500; identity card spy camera: Rs3,500; classic pen camera Rs1,700 and pen drive spy camera Rs2,200.
