No diplomatic intervention in Italian swimmers’ shoplifting case, says Shanmugam

In a written parliamentary reply dated 24 September 2025, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stated that no diplomatic intervention influenced the legal outcome in the case of two Italian swimmers arrested for shoplifting in Singapore.

The clarification came in response to a Parliamentary Question filed by Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Aljunied, Gerald Giam Yean Song.

Giam had asked about Singapore’s investigation and release protocols for foreign visitors detained for criminal offences, the potential impact of diplomatic intervention, and the rationale behind the outcome in this specific case.

Arrest and investigation

The two Italian nationals, Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, aged 20 and 22 respectively, were arrested on 14 August 2025 at Changi Airport after stealing items valued at approximately S$150.

The stolen goods were recovered, and the police subsequently informed the Embassy of Italy in Singapore, in accordance with standard procedures.

Minister Shanmugam explained that under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations—an international treaty to which Singapore is a party—foreign nationals are entitled to consular access upon detention or arrest. Upon their request, the embassy was informed.

While the Italian embassy told CNA earlier this month that it had “intervened and provided assistance” to the swimmers, Shanmugam clarified that such assistance, where provided under consular rights, has no bearing on the investigative process or the legal outcome.

“There were no diplomatic interventions to influence the legal outcome,” he stated, emphasising that the matter was handled entirely in accordance with Singapore’s legal framework.

Conditional warning and re-entry ban

The Minister noted that both local and foreign offenders are treated equally under the law.

In this case, the Police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) assessed the circumstances—including the low value of the items, the recovery of the goods, and other mitigating factors—and issued a 12-month conditional warning.

As the offenders were foreigners, a re-entry ban was also imposed.

Shanmugam stressed that such decisions are based on four key considerations: the facts and circumstances of the case, severity of the offence, aggravating or mitigating factors, and precedent from similar cases.

The Singapore Police Force confirmed on 4 September that the women had been arrested and subsequently left Singapore on 19 August.

Media and disciplinary response in Italy

Italian media reports indicated that surveillance footage had shown Tarantino placing perfume items into Pilato’s suitcase.

The pair had transited through Singapore following a holiday in Bali after competing in the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August.

Following their detention, the swimmers were permitted to stay in a hotel before departing Singapore.

The Italian embassy said it acted “on the basis of the Vienna Convention” to assist the pair but did not elaborate on the specific nature of its involvement beyond providing support.

The Italian Swimming Federation has condemned the behaviour of the athletes and launched an internal disciplinary process. Federation spokesperson Francesco Passariello said that while no further legal action will be pursued in Italy, disciplinary measures could follow.

Italian national swim team head coach Cesare Butini publicly criticised the athletes, calling their behaviour “very serious” and noting that they had “damaged the sport.”

Pilato issued a statement on Instagram describing the incident as “unpleasant” and said it had deeply affected her, while Tarantino has since deactivated her social media accounts.

Equal treatment under Singapore law

In his written reply, Minister Shanmugam reiterated that the consular notification process—required under international law—does not constitute diplomatic intervention.

He emphasised that the case was handled according to Singapore’s independent legal framework and that both offenders were dealt with fairly under existing procedures.

“Foreign nationals who commit offences in Singapore are subject to the same laws as Singaporeans,” he wrote. “There is no special treatment or exception, regardless of nationality.”