The Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza) dismantled a network accused of exploiting prostitution and organizing nightlife events that provided services to 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 fifty Serie A players, including some from Milan and Inter, were involved as clients. The investigation also mentions a pregnant woman as a result of relationships with one of the network’s users.
The operation, investigated by the Milan court at the request of the prosecutor’s office, resulted in four people under house arrest, accused of facilitating prostitution by organizing escort services, as well as money laundering from this activity.
The Economic and Financial Police Unit explained that the organization managed events which “included the possibility for wealthy clients (mainly professional athletes and football players) to access sexual services.”
Clients requested ‘laughing gas’ at their parties. “And the use of nitrous oxide as an exciting and recreational substance,” added sources, referring to the chemical compound with anesthetic and analgesic properties used as a recreational drug.
Although clients are not being investigated, the case has generated controversy in Italian football, especially around Milan and Inter, as several players from top teams and businessmen have been identified among the users, though no specific names have been released.
“Unfortunately it is not a crime, it is not typified as such. The girls were fully compliant, so there is no kind of violence; no evidence of violence has emerged in the investigation,” stressed the Guardia di Finanza when asked if the clientele could eventually be investigated.
A Formula 1 driver was also mentioned in wiretaps, according to La Gazzetta. “I have a friend who is a Formula 1 driver and wants a paid girlfriend. Can we find her?” one of the involved allegedly asked, receiving the response: “I’ll send you the Brazilian.”
The operation included searches of several properties and the seizure of more than 1.2 million euros, considered by authorities as illicit profits from the investigated activity.
According to the investigation, the organization offered “all-inclusive” packages for several thousand euros that included dinners at exclusive nightlife venues in Milan, accommodation in high-end hotels, and the company of women.
Investigators claim that the network operated under the guise of an event agency based in the Milan metropolitan area, which for years organized parties in nightclubs and other establishments, while simultaneously managing the recruitment of women, including professional escorts.