Gym-goers at the Pump Gym in Colchester, Essex were left horrified after discovering that CCTV footage of naked men in the changing room was being sold and live-streamed online.
The gym management called the police when they found out that the footage was being offered for £39.50 a month on the messaging app Telegram.
A message sent to 267 app users read: "You think this exclusive UK locker is gone? No way. This pack has vids from 2023, combined with another UK locker seen for the first time."
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It continued: "Wanna see real guys chill out, getting undressed, showing ***.. then this is for you." The message included screenshots of several naked men, including full-frontal nudity, The Mirror reported.
Another photo showed a man walking to a locker wearing just a towel, with the Pump Gyms' logo visible on a sign attached to a glass door. The caption stated that a "stream is now open for subscription" costing $50 (£39.50) a month. One gym member, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as 'horrific', adding that changing rooms 'should be a safe space.'
They said: "I think this is absolutely horrific. Changing rooms should be a safe space so the fact this footage has been leaked is disgusting." Another person, whose partner is a member at the gym, expressed their horror at the possibility of being recorded while changing.
An upset individual added: "I am horrified to think that my partner may not only have been recorded when he is getting changed but now somebody may have footage of him naked. It is worrying to think that these images can appear and his family could potentially see them. How this has been allowed to happen I don't know. We will want answers."
Concerns began earlier this year in August as gym members noted the worrying presence of security cameras in the male changing room. Management assured folks that the CCTV images weren't a free-for-all for staff and were safely password protected. Marc Platter, boss of the gym chain, assures members that they're tackling this head on and have handed it over to the boys in blue.
He insisted: "Pump Gyms is taking this matter seriously and has referred it to the police. As such it is subject to a live investigation and, consequently, we are unable to comment further at this time." Pump Gym, charging punters £20.99 monthly, has seven outlets in the East of England.
A spokesperson from Essex Police reassured: "We have received an online report relating to a premises in Grange Way, Colchester. At this stage, it is being assessed to identify all criminal aspects which require investigation."
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