Italian Swimmers Receive Conditional Warning in Singapore shoplifting Case
SINGAPORE – Two Italian swimmers, Benedetta Pilato, 20, and Chiara Tarantino, 22, were issued a 12-month conditional warning by Singapore police on August 19 following an alleged shoplifting incident at Changi Airport.
The Singapore Police Force confirmed to CNA that the athletes were arrested on August 14 while preparing to return to Italy after a vacation in Bali, following their participation in the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore.
Police stated the decision to issue a conditional warning, in consultation with the attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), was made after considering the circumstances of the case. As part of the warning, Pilato and Tarantino are prohibited from re-entering Singapore. The AGC has been contacted for further details regarding the decision not to pursue charges.
the Italian Embassy in Singapore was informed of the situation and provided consular assistance to the swimmers, according to a statement to CNA. The Embassy confirmed that Pilato and Tarantino had returned to Italy by August 19.
Pilato, a decorated swimmer, earned a bronze medal in the 50m breaststroke at the recent World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. She previously won gold in the 100m breaststroke at the 2022 World Championships and placed fourth in the same event at the 2023 Paris Olympics. Tarantino secured a bronze medal in the mixed 4x100m free relay at the 2021 European Championships.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Pilato described experiencing “particularly difficult moments” while abroad, emphasizing her full cooperation with Singapore authorities and expressing gratitude for the support of the Italian Embassy. she maintained her innocence, stating she never intended to commit any wrongdoing and values sportsmanship and honesty. Pilato added she had learned valuable lessons regarding obligation and prudence from the experience.
