A serious security alert prompted the evacuation of six shopping centers in the Milan area after their management received a threatening email on Wednesday afternoon. According to Italian authorities, the message claimed that explosive devices had been placed inside the affected facilities.
The message arrived simultaneously at several centers
The incident was reported at around 5:30 p.m., when several shopping centers received the same email with the subject line, “Read urgently.” According to reports, the author of the message claimed to have planted several explosives with the aim of causing as many victims as possible.
In the same message, according to the version reported by Italian media, a meeting with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, was also requested.
Which facilities are affected
Inspections have been extended to six commercial facilities: Cupole in San Giuliano Milanese, Fiordaliso in Rozzano, Bonola, the Scalo Milano retail outlet in Locate Triulzi, Carosello in Carugate, and Akuarium in Vignate.
The evacuation was carried out as a precautionary measure, while the movement of customers and staff was halted immediately after the alert.
Carabinieri and bomb disposal units on the ground
Carabinieri forces have arrived in the affected areas and are leading the investigation, together with anti-explosive dog units, local police, and firefighters.
Authorities are checking the premises of the shopping centers one by one to determine whether there are any suspicious devices. At this stage, the institutional response remains focused on the physical inspection of the facilities and the identification of the author of the message.
The case has triggered a large-scale security operation in one of the busiest areas near Milan, while investigators are carefully examining the contents of the email and the targets mentioned in it.
It remains to be verified whether this is a real threat or a false alarm, but Italian authorities have chosen to act under maximum security protocol.