Italian Swimmers Banned from Singapore After Shoplifting Case
Two Italian swimmers have been banned from re-entering Singapore after being arrested for shoplifting at Changi Airport last month, the Singapore Police Force confirmed on September 4.
The swimmers, Benedetta Pilato, 20, and Chiara Tarantino, 22, were detained on August 14 upon returning from a holiday in Bali. They were scheduled to fly back to Italy via Singapore after competing in the World Aquatics Championships held from July 11 to August 3.
According to police, both women were arrested for shoplifting at the airport. After reviewing the case with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, authorities issued the pair a 12-month conditional warning. Under this warning, the two must not commit any further offences during the period. Both have since left Singapore and are prohibited from re-entering.
Embassy Intervention
The Embassy of Italy in Singapore was notified of the case in accordance with international protocols. Italian media reported that the swimmers were briefly held at the airport before the embassy intervened, allowing them to remain in a hotel until their repatriation.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Tarantino placing perfume products into Pilato’s suitcase. The embassy later confirmed it had acted under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which allows consular officers to provide assistance to detained nationals and arrange legal support.
In a statement, the embassy emphasized that the case was managed entirely by Singaporean authorities and that it did not have full details of the incident.
Reactions in Italy
The incident has drawn sharp criticism in Italy. The Italian Swimming Federation (FIN) condemned the behavior of the athletes and confirmed that an internal investigation through its sports tribunal is underway, potentially leading to disciplinary measures.
National team head coach Cesare Butini also expressed his disapproval. Speaking to La Repubblica on August 31, he said:
“Great disappointment for behaviour that does not help anyone and certainly damages the sport in general. They are ambassadors, even when they don’t wear the uniform. What they did is very serious.”
While Tarantino has deactivated her social media accounts, Pilato, who won a bronze medal in the 50m breaststroke at the Singapore championships, issued a public statement on Instagram on August 29. She claimed she was “indirectly involved” and had “never intended to commit inappropriate acts.” Pilato described the experience as “particularly difficult” but said the matter was resolved within hours thanks to her cooperation with airport authorities.
A Sporting Scandal
The case has cast a shadow over Italy’s performance at the World Aquatics Championships and raised questions about athlete conduct off the field. For Singapore, it highlights the country’s strict enforcement of theft laws, even when involving foreign nationals or high-profile figures.
As the swimmers face disciplinary proceedings in Italy, their ban from Singapore underscores the consequences of such actions abroad — not only legally, but also in terms of international reputation and sporting careers.
