Prosecutors in Milan launched a team-focused investigation at WhatsApp, where about ten tram drivers in the city were exchanging messages about passenger photos, which had been recorded security cameras inside the vehicles.
The investigation focuses on access that appears to have been illegally acquired in an information system. At least one man is on target, the sources say, adding that the police conducted a series of investigations.
The case was revealed in the last few months after a woman who had boarded a tram in Milan observed a driver, who was off duty but was wearing his uniform, sitting next to her and watching a conversation on his phone with photographs, which focused on women's bodies, as recorded in public transportation.
The woman took a picture of the screen, where photos were likely displayed from cameras inside the vehicles, along with comments and jokes from participants in the group about the bodies of the occupants.
The woman then contacted influenser on Instagram, which revealed the case. On Sunday, Milan's transport operator, ATM, made known that an internal investigation was initiated.
"The ATM acted immediately and with the utmost care to fully clarify the incident, to verify the correct use of corporate tools, to protect customers and thousands of employees who work properly daily, in the service of the city," the company stressed in an announcement.
Closed circuit cameras have been installed in public transport to protect both passengers and staff.