Milan prosecutors launched a probe into a WhatsApp group where around a dozen tram drivers shared sexist and vulgar images of female passengers captured from onboard CCTV cameras [1, 2]. The group exchanged photos focusing on legs, faces, breasts, and thighs accompanied by sexist comments and jokes [1, 2].
At least one ATM employee is formally under investigation for unauthorized access to IT systems and hacking CCTV to obtain these images [1, 2]. Authorities searched the homes of five other male employees and confiscated mobile phones as part of the inquiry [2].
The incident surfaced after a female passenger noticed an off-duty tram driver viewing the WhatsApp chat on his phone on June 13 while riding Milan’s number 15 tram [2]. She photographed the messages and reported the issue to an Instagram feminist influencer, who publicized the case [1, 2].
Milan’s public transport operator, ATM, launched an internal investigation, emphasizing the importance of customer and employee protection. ATM stated, "ATM has acted promptly and with the utmost attention to fully clarify the episode, verify the proper use of company tools, protect customers and the thousands of employees who work correctly every day in service of the city" [1, 2].
Consumer group Codacons filed a formal complaint with Milan prosecutors following the woman’s report. Marco Maria Donzelli, president of Codacons in Lombardy, said, "This is a very serious incident that requires clarity, because if the facts that have emerged are confirmed, we would be faced with serious offences punishable by our criminal code, which would also pave the way for civil claims for compensation by the victims" [2].
Union leaders representing transport workers issued a joint statement affirming that "respect for human dignity and gender equality are essential values" [2]. It remains unclear whether the images were shared beyond the WhatsApp group or if they originated from CCTV footage on more than one tram [2].
On June 16, Milan prosecutors publicly confirmed the investigation, and the authorities conducted searches and confiscated devices from the homes of five male employees [1, 2]. ATM announced it would continue cooperating fully with the probes and take further measures as needed [1, 2].
