On Monday, May 5, 2025, two men were arrested in Milan on serious charges of group sexual assault, unveiling a shocking scheme that allegedly lured at least 135 women into sexual exploitation. Alessandro Marco Possati, a 42-year-old Venetian entrepreneur and founder of Illumina Film Production, and Antonio Cirla, a 71-year-old retired radiologist, have been placed under house arrest as investigations unfold.
Their arrest follows a complaint made in June 2024 by a young woman who responded to a job advertisement for a supposed gynecological clinic. The ad promised compensation for participating in educational videos, but instead, it was a ruse that led to sexual abuse. The women were reportedly coerced into undressing and subjected to fake gynecological examinations that devolved into sexual violence.
According to investigators, the two men operated a sophisticated scheme that had been ongoing since at least 2016. They posed as employees of a fictitious medical center, the "Centro Clinica Italia," deceiving women into believing they would be compensated between 150 and 500 euros for their participation in promotional videos. Once the women arrived at the rented apartment masquerading as a medical studio, they were isolated and forced to undress.
One victim recounted her harrowing experience, stating, "I found myself alone with two men, whom I did not even know the names of. I felt incapable of reacting as I was paralyzed by fear." This sentiment echoes the experiences of many other victims who were similarly trapped.
The investigation, led by Milan prosecutor Antonio Pansa and deputy prosecutor Letizia Mannella, revealed that the two men had been using deceptive tactics to lure women into their trap. They often communicated with potential victims using female identities in emails, assuring them that female doctors would be present at the clinic.
Possati, originally from the United States but residing in Venice, has a background in the audio-visual sector and has been involved in creating high-end video content since founding his production company in 2012. His professional image, however, concealed a darker reality, as he was found to be participating in Telegram chats that shared clinical pornography, exchanging explicit material that he had filmed during the fake examinations.
During searches of their electronic devices, authorities uncovered a trove of pornographic content, including videos recorded during the alleged examinations. The judge overseeing the case, Mattia Fiorentini, noted the "certainty" that both men would continue their criminal behavior if not restrained by legal measures.
Cirla, who previously worked at the Sant'Anna Hospital in Como, posed as a gynecologist during the encounters, while Possati acted as the cameraman, filming the abuse. The pair's operations were described as serial, having exploited their victims over several years.
As the investigation deepens, the legal repercussions for Possati and Cirla could be severe, with the potential for additional charges as more victims come forward. The case has raised significant concerns about the safety of women responding to job advertisements online, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and protective measures.
Many victims have reported that upon realizing the true nature of the appointments, they attempted to leave the premises. However, for some, the psychological manipulation and fear rendered them unable to escape the situation. Investigators are continuing to sift through thousands of emails and electronic communications to identify additional victims and understand the full extent of the operation.
In a chilling revelation, the authorities discovered that some of the sexual abuse videos were disseminated online, furthering the trauma experienced by the victims. The case has sparked outrage in Milan and beyond, with calls for justice and support for those affected.
As this disturbing story continues to develop, it serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking employment and the lengths to which some will go to exploit them. The community is left grappling with the implications of such heinous acts, and the legal system is now tasked with ensuring that justice is served.
Both men are currently awaiting further legal proceedings while under house arrest, as the investigation remains open for additional leads and potential victims. The public's response has been one of shock and anger, urging a collective stand against such predatory behavior.
The case of Alessandro Possati and Antonio Cirla illustrates the urgent need for societal awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from similar predicaments in the future.
