Italian media outlets have identified a number of football players whose names have emerged in connection with an ongoing investigation into a prostitution ring. However, it has been confirmed that none of these individuals are currently facing any form of inquiry for illegal activities.
The scandal broke earlier this week when four individuals were apprehended as part of an investigation targeting a Milan-based events company suspected of operating as a front for a prostitution ring. This company allegedly offered “all-inclusive luxury events” to wealthy and prominent clients, which reportedly included accommodation, parties, escort services, and the provision of nitrous oxide, a substance banned for recreational use in Italy.
Under Italian law, the act of prostitution itself is not a criminal offense, but profiting from paid sexual encounters is. The events in question were reportedly held in both Milan and on the Greek island of Mykonos. Italian reports suggest that approximately 70 professional footballers, including players from prominent clubs such as Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Hellas Verona, may have had some involvement.
According to reports from Il Giornale and ANSA, as covered by Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, the Milan public prosecutor’s office is actively collecting and analyzing evidence, including data from devices seized from those arrested. Initial reports indicate that the surnames of around 65 footballers have appeared in the prosecutor’s inquiry. Among the names mentioned are Cancellieri, Giroud, Hakimi, Huijsen, Maldini, Arthur Melo, Mota Carvalho, Niasse, Petagna, Ranocchia, Ruggeri, Skriniar, Vicario, and Zortea, along with others.
Some individuals have been named in full, including Soualiho Meite, Nuno Tavares, and Carlos Augusto. Furthermore, reports confirm that former Lazio and Inter player Dejan Stankovic had eight recorded contacts with one of the arrested individuals earlier this week.
Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport also state that the names of Bastoni, Leao, Vlahovic, Bellanova, Calafiori, Bisseck, Pinamonti, Ricci, Scamacca, and many others have surfaced in the investigation.