Spicy incident in Singapore
Italian swimming stars banned after theft
Updated 10/10/2025 – 1:56 p.mReading time: 1 min.
A stopover in Singapore and two arrests: two Italian swimmers are suspended for 90 days.
Italian swimmers Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino have been banned for 90 days after a juicy incident. This was announced by Italy’s swimming association FIN. According to media reports, the background to the decision is the arrest of the two at Singapore airport last August for stealing cosmetic products in the duty-free area.
According to the association, the ban applies with immediate effect. The disciplinary measure was therefore imposed taking into account the confession of the two swimmers and their cooperative attitude. However, the association did not comment on the exact background.
According to Italian media reports, the incident occurred during a stopover in Singapore. The two had taken part in the World Swimming Championships in the island nation, but then went on holiday to Bali. On their return they stopped in Singapore.
In the airport duty-free shop, Tarantino is said to have put some essential oils in Pilato’s bag. When arrested, Pilato, who once swam a world record in the 50-meter breaststroke, initially claimed that the oils were free samples, the newspaper La Repubblica reported. The two were briefly detained by the authorities, but were able to leave the country with the support of the Italian embassy.