A major investigation into an Italian luxury service agency, Ma.De. Milano (also known as MADE Luxury Concierge), has uncovered a high-profile prostitution ring involving top European footballers and other elite athletes.
The agency’s owners, Emanuele Buttini and Deborah Ronchi, are currently under house arrest. They face serious charges, including the exploitation of prostitution and money laundering. Authorities estimate the illegal operation generated approximately €1.2 million.
A Sophisticated Cover
On the surface, the agency marketed itself as a premium concierge for high-net-worth individuals. Its advertised services including Private chefs and personal shoppers, Luxury yacht and travel bookings and Exclusive parties at high-end venues in Milan and tourist hotspots like Mykonos. However, investigators allege this was a facade. Wiretaps and witness testimonies suggest the agency managed a network of around 100 women—ranging from professional escorts to models and hostesses—to provide sexual services to prestigious clients. The agency reportedly took a 50% cut of all fees.
VIP Involvement and Substance Use
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, with over 70 professional footballers from Serie A clubs including Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan and an F1 driver mentioned in the case files. While the athletes are not currently under investigation for any crime, their involvement as clients has drawn significant media scrutiny.
Beyond sexual services, the investigation revealed that the agency provided clients with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The gas was reportedly used during parties to help VIP clients relax and bypass traditional anti-doping controls.
Legal and Social Fallout
As the investigation continues, Italian authorities are focusing on the financial trail to dismantle the money-laundering network. For the athletes involved, the fallout is primarily reputational, raising questions about the private conduct of some of Europe's biggest sports stars.
