A 14-year-old Russian swimming champion, in Melbourne for the 12th FINA World Championships, has been arrested for shoplifting, the Herald Sun daily reported on Wednesday.

Breaststroke champion Vitalina Simonova was caught red-handed at Dandenong Plaza stealing cosmetics and clothes.

Simonova was nabbed by K mart staff after taking $70 of goods, including two pieces of clothing and four cosmetic items.

The champion, who is due to compete against Australia’s Leisel Jones next week, was arrested and taken to Dandenong police station where she was cautioned.

Police reported that Simonova was not charged after her minders pleaded to release her with a caution. The caution will remain on police files for the next five years and if she is caught shoplifting again she would be arrested and charged, police said.

Simonova was released after admitting the theft, as it was her first offence and she is a minor.

She is one of eight females on the Russian team of 26 athletes competing at the championships, which begin today.

World Swimming Championships chairman Tony Beddison has refused to comment on the situation.

Russia’s team manager, Vadim Akhmadive, could not be immediately reached for comments.

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