Arrested for theft at Singapore airport , they were later released and returned to Italy thanks to the intervention of the Italian Embassy and the Farnesina . This case involves Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, members of the Italian national swimming team (the latter registered with the Guardia di Finanza), who were competing in the World Championships in the Asian metropolis until last August 3rd.
The episode dates back to August 20th but only emerged in the last few hours.
The two Italian athletes had remained on the Asian beaches for a short vacation after the World Championships, but on August 14th, on their way home, they were stopped by local police on suspicion of theft. According to reports, an airport surveillance camera captured the swimmers placing some items in a bag inside an airport shop.
Two other athletes, Anita Bottazzo and Sofia Morini, were detained with the Italian pair and immediately released. Pilato and Tarantino had their passports confiscated, and after a few days they were able to return to Italy. Their release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, was possible thanks to the intervention of the Italian Embassy and the Farnesina.
Benedetta Pilato gave her version of events, claiming she never did anything : "I never intended to commit inappropriate acts, and those who know me know how much I value the values of sport, fairness, and personal honesty." The swimmer said she was "indirectly involved" in the unpleasant episode . "From this experience, I draw great lessons about prudence, individual responsibility, and the value of the people around me."
In essence, from her words, the item stolen from the duty-free shop (apparently bottles of Asian essential oils) was placed in her bag, against her will: no name or direct accusation was given, but there seems to be an implicit reference to the person she was with.
The Italian Swimming Federation, clarifying that the incident occurred while the two swimmers were on vacation and therefore not wearing the Italian national team, "slams the incident and reserves the right to carefully evaluate the matter." A federal investigation is therefore underway.
It is inevitable that the sports group of the Guardia di Finanza will also deal with Tarantino.
(Unioneonline/vl)
