Illegal betting, managers arrested. Fagioli: “Even Vlahovic helped me pay off debts”

Milan – Five people have been placed under house arrest on charges of illegal gambling and betting activities and money laundering, as part of the Milan investigation that uncovered a vast illegal online betting system involving at least a dozen Serie A footballers, including Nicolò Fagioli, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Zaniolo, Alessandro Florenzi, Mattia Perin, Raoul Bellanova, Weston McKennie and Samuele Ricci.

The investigations, which started in Turin and were then forwarded to the Milan Prosecutor's Office, revealed a real "system" that exploited the fragility of young players with millionaire salaries, who were pushed to bet on illegal platforms, especially online poker and other sporting events.

According to the Guardia di Finanza, the suspects continued to act even after the first searches in September 2023. In some cases, to repay debts, threats would also have arrived, such as those addressed to the Atalanta and National team defender Raoul Bellanova.

Among the main suspects are Tommaso De Giacomo and Patrik Frizzera, alleged organizers of the betting ring. They are also supported by the top management of the Milanese jewelry company Elysium Group: according to the accusation, the company's current accounts were used to launder money, simulating the sale of luxury watches and justifying the transfers as normal commercial operations. The sums moved would amount to hundreds of thousands of euros.

The reports also include new statements from Nicolò Fagioli, formerly of Juventus and now at Fiorentina, who has already served a suspension and started treatment for gambling addiction. The midfielder told investigators: “Vlahovic also helped me: he paid 100 euros to cover my debts”. Fagioli denied having been a “collector”, claiming that other players were asking him for contacts to play.

Florenzi, another prominent name involved, admitted to the magistrates: "I had excluded myself from legal gambling, but after an injury I fell back into betting on illegal platforms. I never won: it was only used to cover debts".

While the footballers involved will be able to leave the proceedings by paying a fine, justice will follow a much more severe path for the five arrested. The investigation remains open.