By The European Times | Created at 2026-07-20 08:36:38 | Updated at 2026-08-04 18:22:12
2 weeks ago
Italian police raided the offices of several luxury brands last week, including Bulgari and Chanel, on suspicion of using subcontractors to hire Chinese workers under exploitative conditions, a prosecutor said.
Other companies raided include Brunello Cucinelli, Etro, Goyard Italia, Jacob Cohen Company, Moncler and Stefano Ricci, Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari told AFP, confirming information from the business daily Il Sole 24 Ore.
A major investigation by Milan prosecutors has uncovered numerous cases of exploitative labor practices in the supply chains of some of Italy’s leading fashion brands, including Prada, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana.
The investigation is focused on the widespread practice of fashion companies outsourcing production to suppliers, who in turn subcontract it to other suppliers. With ever-shrinking margins and weak controls on working conditions, orders are ultimately going to companies using Chinese workers in exploitative conditions.
Several brands, including Loro Piana, were temporarily placed under special management over concerns about working conditions at their suppliers.
The restrictions were lifted after the companies agreed to exercise stricter control over their supply chains.
The Italian government has defended luxury brands. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said last year that the reputation of Italian companies was “under attack.”
Illustrative photo: pexels-thanh-nguy-n-75709888-38275127
