Defender Riccardo Calafiori has been questioned by police in Italy investigating a prostitution ring allegedly involving up to 50 top players
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has been quizzed by cops over an alleged prostitution ring involving up to 50 top footballers, reports say.
The defender, 24, is said to have been summoned by prosecutors in Milan as a witness in the shocking case sweeping through Italian football.
Police spoke with Lazio midfielder Daniel Maldini – son of legendary AC Milan star Paolo – and former Bologna defender Kevin Bonifazi, local media reported.
None of the three players are under formal investigation and didn’t have to speak to police. They are among the first players to be questioned by prosecutor Rosaria Stagnaro and deputy prosecutor Bruna Albertini.
Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, 27, has also been named as part of the police probe. He is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with an underage girl, according to reports.
He denies the accusations and refused to appear at the prosecutor’s office today for questioning, it was reported. The girl has also reportedly denied the charges as she said during testimony: “I’m not a prostitute and I didn’t take money for sex.”
The girl – who was 17 and eight months old at the time – allegedly spent a night with Bastoni, aged 21 at the time, in July 2020. Investigators allege the pair met in Cinisello Balsamo before moving to the player’s home.
Bastoni had received a blind summons to the Milan Prosecutor’s Office on Friday morning. but his lawyer Salvatore Scuto said he had no plans to attend.
He did not have to attend the meeting under Italian law. The fact he refused to attend does not imply any form of guilt.
It comes as authorities continue to investigate an alleged “escort agency” in Milan.
An unknown company is accused of hosting all-inclusive parties and events which regularly entertain footballers and other VIPs.
Roughly 50 names are tied to the exclusive events, including players from Serie A and athletes from other sports.
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