The Guardia di Finanza dismantled a network accused of exploiting prostitution and managing events linked to nightlife that allegedly served high-level footballers, including Serie A players, with the use of ‘laughing gas’ as a recreational substance, sources confirmed to EFE on Tuesday.
According to La Gazzetta, around 50 Serie A players, including some from AC Milan and Inter, were involved as customers. There is also talk in the investigation of a pregnant woman as a result of her relationship with one of these users of the prostitution network.
The operation, which is being investigated by the Milan Court at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, saw four people placed under house arrest, accused of facilitating prostitution by organising escort services, as well as money laundering from this activity.
They also included the possibility for wealthy clients, sportsmen and professional footballers to access sexual services
The Economic and Financial Police Unit of the Guardia di Finanza explained to this agency that the organisation managed events that “also included the possibility, for wealthy clients (because we are talking mainly about sportsmen and professional footballers), to access sexual services”.
Customers requested ‘laughing gas’ at their parties
“And the use of nitrous oxide as an exciting and recreational substance,” the sources added, referring to the so-called ‘laughing gas’, a chemical compound with anesthetic and analgesic properties that is also used as a recreational drug.
Although the customers are not under investigation, the case has generated controversy in Italian football circles, especially AC Milan and Inter, both clubs from the city, as among the users identified are several players from top teams and also businessmen, although no specific names have been released.
“Unfortunately, it is not a crime, it is not classified as such. The girls were totally compliant, so there is no violence; no indication of violence has emerged in the acts of the investigation,” the Guardia di Finanza stressed when asked if eventually the clientele could be investigated.
A Formula 1 driver in the wiretaps
The wiretaps, published by La Gazzetta, reveal that a Formula 1 driver also used the services of this network. “I have a friend who is a Formula 1 driver and he wants a paid girlfriend. Can we find her?” one of those involved allegedly asked, to which he received the reply: “I’ll send him the Brazilian.”
I have a friend who is a Formula 1 driver and wants a paid girlfriend. Can we find one?
The operation included searches of several properties and the seizure of more than 1.2 million euros, considered by the authorities to be illicit proceeds from the activity under investigation.
According to the investigation, the organization offered “all-inclusive” packages for several thousand euros that included dinners in exclusive Milanese nightlife venues, accommodation in high-end hotels and the company of women.
The investigators claim that the network operated under the guise of an events agency based in the Milan metropolitan area, which for years had allegedly organised parties in nightclubs and other establishments, while at the same time managing the recruitment of women, including professional escorts.
According to the investigation, the young women were housed in properties linked to the agency itself and were subsequently remunerated for the services provided to clients.
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