Last Updated on April 22 2026, 10:04 am

A major investigation by Milan prosecutors has uncovered an alleged trafficking ring involving prominent clients, including an F1 driver and around 70 professional footballers. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the case centres on a luxury concierge-style operation accused of generating millions of euros through illicit activities.

According to the authorities, the investigation has produced substantial evidence against a network of organisers, intermediaries and clients, revealing a system that allegedly operated for years under the guise of exclusive VIP services.

 

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Luxury concierge front for illicit activities

According to investigators, the operation marketed itself via social media under the name ‘Mae Luxury Concierge’. It offered high-end experiences tailored to wealthy clients, including nights out at exclusive clubs and private encounters in luxury hotels.

However, prosecutors allege that behind this façade, the company functioned as a coordinated trafficking network. Clients — including athletes from top-tier competitions such as Serie A, reportedly paid substantial sums for services arranged through the agency.

While many names remain redacted in official documents, the authorities estimate that at least 50 high-profile individuals may have been involved as clients.

 

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Wiretaps reveal an F1 connection

Intercepted phone calls form a key part of the evidence. In one exchange cited by La Gazzetta dello Sport, an individual references a visiting Formula 1 driver requesting a companion:

“I have a friend, a Formula 1 driver, who’s coming to Milan tonight; he wants a girl.”

The response reportedly suggested sending a specific woman, highlighting the organised and efficient nature of the alleged operation.

Investigators also documented cases of alleged exploitation. In one instance, a Colombian woman was reportedly paid €1,000 for her services, but was then forced to hand over half the amount to the organisers.

 

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Network active through pandemic

It is believed that the alleged trafficking ring began operating in 2019 and continued throughout the pandemic. Testimonies suggest that the group remained highly active despite strict public health restrictions.

One witness claimed that they worked ‘almost every night’, indicating that demand for such services remained strong even during lockdown periods.

In April 2021, the authorities conducted an inspection of a property linked to the network, where they found 17 individuals gathered in what was described as a clandestine nightclub hosting private events.

 

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Living conditions and exploitation claims

The investigation also focuses on how the women involved were treated. Many of them were reportedly foreign nationals living in shared accommodation controlled by the organisation.

According to prosecutors, they were required to participate in paid encounters, with a significant portion of their earnings being withheld. In some cases, they were also charged rent and other expenses, further reducing their income.

One testimony cited by La Gazzetta dello Sport describes a woman discovering she was pregnant, highlighting the personal risks faced by those involved.

 

Drug use and party culture

Another issue highlighted by investigators is the alleged use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘balloon gas’, during gatherings. This substance produces short-lived euphoric effects and is difficult to detect, which may explain its reported popularity among clients.

The authorities noted that it is not classified as a doping substance, meaning its use would not typically result in anti-doping violations for professional athletes.

 

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Arrests and structure of the organisation

Italian police have identified Emanuele Buttini and Deborah Ronchi as the alleged leaders of the network. Both have been placed under house arrest, along with several associates.

The pair are accused of operating through a company called Ma. De Milano, based in Cinisello Balsamo, which investigators believe served as a front for the illegal enterprise.

Prosecutors allege that the group managed every aspect of the operation, including coordinating events, liaising with venues, arranging transport, and controlling payments. They are also accused of overseeing the financial flow, including the distribution — and alleged withholding — of earnings from the women involved.

 

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Ongoing investigation

The case remains under active investigation, with the authorities continuing to analyse evidence and identify those involved. While the mention of a Formula 1 driver and numerous footballers has drawn widespread attention, officials have not publicly confirmed the identities of any high-profile clients.

As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on determining the full extent of the network and the responsibilities of those allegedly involved.

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