Twelve Serie A footballers are under investigation for illegal gambling activities between December 2021 and October 2023. The investigation, led by the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office, focuses on bets placed on platforms not authorized by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency. The players, including prominent names like Nicolò Fagioli, Sandro Tonali, and Weston McKennie, are accused of betting on sports other than football.
The investigation uncovered a system where players used illegal online betting and poker platforms. Some players, like Fagioli and Tonali, allegedly acted as recruiters, receiving bonuses and debt reduction in return. Others are investigated for simply participating in the illegal betting.
A seizure order of €1.5 million was issued against five individuals and one legal entity. The investigation also alleges that some players used a scheme of making purchases of luxury watches to settle gambling debts. For instance, Nicolò Fagioli's credit card was reportedly used by Tommaso De Giacomo, considered one of the leaders of the illegal betting operation, to pay off his debts, and the card was left at the jeweler's for De Giacomo’s easy access.