Former reality TV contestant Riccardo Valenza has been charged with 11 counts of rape and dozens of additional offences in Queensland, Australia, months after facing previous criminal proceedings.
The 31-year-old veterinarian, who appeared on FBoy Island Australia, was arrested on Monday and formally charged on Tuesday over alleged crimes said to have taken place between July 2023 and November 2025 on the Sunshine Coast.
Police allege he targeted multiple women through social media, groomed them, and carried out sexual assaults. The case has drawn significant attention due to the number of alleged victims and Valenza’s prior history before the courts.
What charges does Riccardo Valenza now face?
Queensland Police confirmed Valenza has been charged with 31 offences, including:
- 11 counts of rape
- 2 counts of sexual assault
- 1 count of administering a stupefying drug
- 7 counts of using a carriage service to menace or harass
- 6 counts of stalking
- 4 counts of recording in breach of privacy
In a statement, Queensland Police said: “He engaged with multiple women via social media where he solicited sexual activities for money. He then allegedly groomed the women before assaulting them.”
Police allege the women involved are aged between 26 and 35. Investigators believe more women may have been affected and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Valenza appeared at Maroochydore Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody. He is due to return to court in April.
How does this connect to his previous convictions?
These new charges follow several earlier legal matters. In September 2025, Valenza was charged separately with three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. Those charges are not part of the latest 31-count indictment.
Earlier this year, Townsville Magistrates Court heard he repeatedly contacted a woman after she blocked him on social media. The court was told he made 51 calls from a private number, including 11 calls within two hours on one evening.
In a separate case, he admitted contacting another woman 15 times within two minutes. He pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
Magistrate Viviana Keegan previously described his behaviour as: “Persistent and harassing.”
He received a two-year good behaviour bond and was ordered to pay compensation. No conviction was recorded at that time. The magistrate warned him that further similar conduct would likely result in convictions.
What was his role on FBoy Island Australia?
Valenza appeared on the first season of FBoy Island Australia, which aired in May 2023 on Foxtel’s Binge streaming service.
The dating show, hosted by Abbie Chatfield, followed three women attempting to identify which male contestants were genuinely seeking relationships and which were competing for prize money. Valenza did not reach the final stages of the programme.
What happens next in the legal process?
Valenza remains in custody pending his next court appearance in April.
Under Queensland law, rape carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Any sentence would depend on the outcome of court proceedings and the evidence presented.
At this stage, the allegations remain before the court. Valenza has not entered pleas in relation to the newest charges.
Why does this case attract wider concern?
The scale of the allegations, combined with previous court warnings, has raised questions about repeat offending and the use of social media to approach potential victims.
Police continue to investigate and are appealing for further information.
