Lausanne Police Rocked by Scandal: Racist and Anti-Semitic WhatsApp Chats Exposed
A disturbing scandal has erupted in Lausanne, Switzerland, revealing widespread exchange of racist and anti-Semitic content among police officers via WhatsApp. French-speaking Switzerland Radio and Television (RTS) has published a detailed account of the messages, exposing a deeply troubling culture within elements of the city’s law enforcement.
The investigation, published December 5, 2025, uncovered 2,500 pages of messages originating from two WhatsApp groups – one comprising around 50 officers, and a smaller group of six. Alarmingly, nearly half of the officers involved participated in the dissemination of hateful content, with some having since left the force while others remain on duty.
Widespread Dissemination of Hate Speech
What is particularly striking, according to the RTS report, is the casual and unchallenged nature of the discriminatory statements. The messages reveal a pattern of deeply ingrained prejudice, with no apparent disapproval from group members.
The content included virulent attacks against Black people. Officers shared statements referencing “black people who smell bad,” fantasized about sexual violence, and even alluded to the Ku Klux Klan. One message, cited by RTS, described plans for “safaris” to be carried out in downtown Lausanne, a clear reference to racist hunting imagery. An example of this content, shared by RTS, depicts a question posed alongside an image: “When a black man takes off his shoes.”
The bigotry extended to individuals of Arab origin and Roma communities. One officer lamented the perceived “omnipresence of the Arabs in Lausanne,” while another used the derogatory term “Maghreb weather” to describe a gloomy atmosphere. Roma individuals were subjected to taunts and demeaning remarks about their clothing.
Open Adulation of Hitler and Anti-Semitic Remarks
The chats also contained shocking displays of support for Adolf Hitler. In one instance, a policewoman’s recruitment photo for the Lausanne police prompted a colleague to respond with “The Gestapo is recruiting!” and “White power.” Another officer subsequently posted a picture of Hitler with the caption “Hitler approves.”
Perhaps most chillingly, an officer referred to a colleague as a “dirty Jew” during a discussion about a sale, and the statement went unchallenged.
Sexist and Discriminatory Attitudes Towards Vulnerable Groups
The hateful rhetoric wasn’t limited to racial and religious prejudice. Officers also expressed contempt for people with disabilities and openly shared sexist views. One officer circulated an article quoting a Saudi cleric who claimed women have “a quarter of a brain,” with a colleague adding, “Finally a great guy who addresses serious topics.”
The messages also revealed frustration with perceived limitations on police action. Following an incident in June 2023 involving a knife-wielding individual near an asylum facility, one officer lamented, “Man, we’ve gotten to the point that our colleagues don’t dare shoot,” a sentiment echoed by another officer.
The revelations raise serious questions about vetting procedures, internal oversight, and the overall culture within the Lausanne police force. The extent of the problem, as revealed by the 2,500 pages of messages, suggests a systemic issue requiring immediate and comprehensive action.
