17 July 2026 , 16:58
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At issue is the near-ubiquitous practice of brands subcontracting work to suppliers that in turn contract to others, ending up with firms who employ Chinese workers in exploitative conditions.
Italian police on Thursday raided the offices of several luxury brands, including Bulgari and Chanel, over allegations they used subcontractors employing Chinese workers.
The raids are part of a wider investigation by Milan prosecutors that has uncovered alleged labour exploitation in the supply chains of several luxury brands, including Prada, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana.
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.
Several brands, including Loro Piana, have previously been placed under temporary judicial administration over concerns about labour conditions at their suppliers.
The measures were lifted after the companies agreed to strengthen oversight of their supply chains.
Italy’s government has previously come to the defence of luxury brands, with Industry Minister Adolfo Urso saying last year the reputation of Italian brands was "under attack".
Head of Investigations