Italian police executed raids on the offices of several high-end luxury brands on Thursday, acting on allegations that these companies utilized subcontractors who employed Chinese workers under exploitative conditions. The operation is part of an expansive investigation led by Milan prosecutors, which has uncovered evidence of systemic labor exploitation within the supply chains of various major luxury houses.
Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari confirmed the scope of the investigation, identifying a wide list of firms implicated in the probe. Beyond Bulgari and Chanel, the list of companies under scrutiny includes Prada, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Brunello Cucinelli, Etro, Goyard Italie, Jacob Cohen Company, Moncler, and Stefano Ricci.
This is not the first time the luxury sector has faced such scrutiny in Italy. Previously, brands like Loro Piana were placed under temporary judicial administration due to concerns regarding labor practices at their supplier facilities. Those specific measures were eventually lifted after the companies committed to implementing stricter oversight of their supply chain operations.
The government has historically defended the industry against such claims. Last year, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso publicly suggested that the reputation of Italian luxury brands was being unfairly targeted, describing the sector as being "under attack."
The other luxury brands included Brunello Cucinelli, Etro, Goyard Italie, Jacob Cohen Company, Moncler, and Stefano Ricci, Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari told AFP, confirming information published by business daily Il Sole 24 Ore.
