Overview

• Airport CCTV reportedly showed Chiara Tarantino placing small duty‑free items described as essential oils or perfumes into Benedetta Pilato’s bag at Singapore’s Changi Airport on August 14.
• Pilato and Tarantino were detained, had their passports held and were interrogated before receiving an admonition; they returned to Italy on August 20 following consular assistance.
• Federnuoto’s federal prosecutor will open an inquiry to establish the facts and assess potential disciplinary action, while Tarantino’s Fiamme Gialle affiliation is expected to draw internal scrutiny.
• Benedetta Pilato publicly denied any intent to steal and said she was indirectly involved, as Chiara Tarantino has remained silent and has closed her social media accounts.
• Key details remain disputed, including claims of a direct role by Tajani and reports that teammate Anita Bottazzo was strip‑searched, which Corriere della Sera contests.