Italian Olympic Swimmers Given Conditional Warning, Banned from Singapore After Changi Shoplifting

Two Italian swimmers, Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, were arrested for shoplifting perfume at Singapore's Changi Airport in August after returning from a holiday following the World Aquatics Championships. The Singapore Police issued both women a 12-month conditional warning and banned them from re-entering Singapore, with no criminal charges filed after consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The Italian Embassy intervened to provide consular assistance, leading to the athletes' release and repatriation. Pilato, a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and world record holder in breaststroke, expressed cooperation with authorities and described the incident as a difficult but clarifying experience. The Italian Swimming Federation called the incident regrettable and indicated a possible internal review. The case drew significant media attention, highlighting Pilato's prominence in swimming and raising questions about the incident's impact on her reputation.