Singapore is a country that runs on order, discipline, and respect for the rules. That’s part of what makes it such a fascinating destination for travelers. It is super safe, efficient and one of the cleanest places you’ll ever visit. But it also means that if you break the law, even in ways that might seem small elsewhere, the consequences can be serious.

That’s exactly what two Italian Olympic swimmers, Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, learned the hard way at Changi Airport this summer.

What Happened at Changi

The two swimmers, both international medalists, were transiting through Changi after competing in Bali. According to reports, CCTV cameras caught them slipping perfume bottles into a suitcase at a duty-free shop. Security moved quickly to grab them. Having being stopped, the athletes were swiftly searched and held for hours. Their passports were taken, and according to local media reports, they were even made to undergo a strip search to ensure nothing else had been stolen.

Readers should take note of the fact that in Singapore, shoplifting isn’t taken lightly at all.

The Punishment

After days of questioning and legal review, Singapore authorities decided on a compromise:

  • Both women received a 12-month conditional warning (meaning no charges if they stay out of trouble for a year).
  • They were officially banned from re-entering Singapore.
  • The Italian Embassy stepped in to provide support, but the decision stood firm.

On August 19, the two athletes flew back to Italy, their reputations now carrying more weight than their medals.

Who Are Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, the Italian Swimmers Caught Shoplifting in Singapore?

Benedetta Pilato, just 20 years old, is already considered one of the brightest young stars in swimming. Specializing in breaststroke, she made headlines when she became European champion in the 50m breaststroke in 2021 and followed that up with a gold in the 100m breaststroke in 2022.

Benedetta Pilato smiling in her Italian swimming team tracksuit during a 2019 meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella

Benedetta Pilato in 2019, long before the Changi Airport shoplifting case brought her unexpected global attention.

Her rise didn’t stop there because at the 2023 World Championships, she took home a bronze medal in the 50m. This cemented her reputation as one of Italy’s strongest medal hopes on the international stage.

Her teammate, Chiara Tarantino, 22, has also carved out her place in the sport. She helped Italy secure a bronze medal in the mixed 4×100m freestyle relay at the 2021 European Championships, showing her strength as part of a relay team on the continental stage. While she hasn’t had the same solo spotlight as Pilato, she’s respected in Italy’s swimming circles as a dependable competitor with international experience.

What were they doing in Singapore?

Both athletes were in Singapore as part of the World Aquatics Championships, an event that draws the best swimmers on the planet. After the competition, they decided to take a short trip to Bali for a holiday, a common stopover for tourists in the region. It was on their return journey, while passing through Singapore’s Changi Airport, that everything changed. What should have been a smooth flight back home to Italy turned into a wrong move that disgraced them big time.

Did the swimmers go to jail after shoplifting at Changi?

No. Instead of jail time, they were given a 12-month conditional warning and a ban from re-entering Singapore. This decision came after days of investigation and involvement from the Italian Embassy.

What did the Italian swimmers steal at Changi Airport?

They were caught on CCTV taking perfume bottles from a duty-free shop. Reports say one swimmer placed the bottles inside the other’s suitcase before they were stopped by airport security.

Why did Singapore let them off with just a warning?

Authorities reviewed the case with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and decided that a conditional warning was sufficient. It doesn’t erase the offense, but it means they avoid formal charges if they stay out of trouble for the next year.

Can tourists really get banned from Singapore for shoplifting?

Yes. Singapore has strict laws around theft. Even tourists and transit passengers can be banned from returning if caught shoplifting, regardless of the item’s value.

What are the penalties for shoplifting in Singapore?

Normally, shoplifting can lead to fines, imprisonment, or caning depending on the severity. That’s why this case gained attention because some felt the swimmers were treated more lightly than an ordinary traveler might be.

Lessons for Travelers

Travelers should take note of the fact that in places like Singapore rules are taken very seriously. When you’re abroad, the little choices you make can turn your trip into an amazing memory or a complete nightmare. Here some pieces of advice I have for travelers visiting Singapore:

1. Singapore Doesn’t Play Around with the Law

Singapore has built its reputation on order and discipline. This is the same country where chewing gum sales are restricted, littering comes with heavy fines, and drug offenses can carry life-changing penalties. Shoplifting here is not treated as a petty offense. Even something as small as a bottle of perfume can lead to arrest, prosecution, and a permanent ban from the country. Travelers need to remember that in Singapore, rules are rules, and breaking them can put your entire trip in jeopardy.

2. Fame Won’t Save You

Many people think that being famous gives you a free pass. In Singapore, it does not. If anything, being a public figure makes your mistake louder. The Italian swimmers found this out the hard way. Instead of their medals making headlines, it was their arrest that went global. Fame might give you privileges in some places, but in a country like Singapore, it will not keep you from facing the law.

3. Airports Are Zero-Tolerance Zones

Airports are already some of the most secure environments in the world, and Changi Airport is in a league of its own. Security cameras cover every corner, and staff are trained to spot the smallest suspicious movement. If you are ever tempted to test the rules in an airport, remember that you are in one of the most heavily monitored spaces on the planet. What you think no one will notice is already recorded on a screen somewhere.

4. Your Actions Abroad Define You

When you step into another country, you carry more than your passport. You carry your identity and, in a sense, your nation’s reputation. A mistake abroad is never just personal. It can become a story about your country, your culture, and how others see you. The swimmers’ actions did not just affect their careers. They left many Italians feeling embarrassed on the world stage.