Prosecutors allege luxury escort operation involved players from Inter, Milan, Juve and other Serie A clubs. Four arrested.
11:52 AM
Milan prosecutors are investigating an event agency accused of organizing parties linked to prostitution and exploitation, with at least 70 footballers from major Italian clubs attending the gatherings.
The investigation centers on MA.DE. MILANO, a Milan-based events agency formally registered as a public relations and event organization company. According to court documents, the agency operated as a front for an alleged prostitution and exploitation ring.
Four individuals have been arrested and placed under house arrest. Emanuele Buttini, 37, and Deborah Ronchi, identified as the "promoters and masterminds" of the operation, were arrested Monday along with collaborators Alessio Salamone and Luz Luan Amilton Fraga, described as "participants" in the scheme.
The footballers who attended the parties represent multiple Serie A clubs, including Inter, Milan, Juventus, Sassuolo and Verona. Their names have been omitted from the court order. Authorities said none of the footballers are under investigation, as they have not committed crimes. It has not been established how many of them also used escort services or other offerings at the events.
Beyond footballers, the investigation also identified a Formula 1 pilot and several hockey players among those who attended the gatherings organized by the agency.
Financial records show that over 450,000 euros were transferred by "professional footballers" to bank accounts held by the arrested individuals and other suspects in the investigation. These transfers were made through Revolut and other accounts linked to those under investigation.
The Milan prosecutor's office is pursuing charges of criminal association, facilitation of prostitution and exploitation. The investigation was authorized by Judge Chiara Valori, who issued the house arrest orders.
According to statements attributed to the arrested individuals in court documents, the operation continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Police are investigating a chaotic street takeover early Saturday in Queens involving drag racing, donuts, and damage to a police vehicle.
NYPD officers stripped of guns and shields following videos of repeated punching and kicking during arrest attempt in Cobble Hill on Tuesday.
Stefano De Martino, host and artistic director of Sanremo 2027, spoke about the festival nine months before its debut, saying ideas for performers and co-hosts are already in place.
Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque testified Thursday in San Isidro court, stating he is innocent and expressing regret over Maradona's November 2020 death.
Singer David Anthony Burke entered not guilty pleas to first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of human remains. He was ordered held without bail.
