Italian police have conducted raids at the offices of Bulgari, Chanel, and several other luxury brands as part of an investigation into labor exploitation within fashion supply chains. Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari ordered the searches of around ten fashion houses linked to subcontractors. Authorities clarified that the luxury brands themselves are not under investigation.
The operation follows inspections in Pero, where police discovered unregistered Chinese workers without residency permits at factories producing goods bearing brand logos. According to authorities, these subcontractors operated under dangerous and unhygienic conditions. The wider investigation has also uncovered alleged labor exploitation in the supply chains of Prada, Givenchy, and Dolce & Gabbana, while other brands under scrutiny include Brunello Cucinelli, Goyard, Moncler, Etro, and Stefano Ricci.
This sweep marks the latest action in a broad Italian crackdown on luxury manufacturing practices. Following investigations into Dior and Armani in 2024, several major labels, including Loro Piana, were temporarily placed under judicial administration. However, all such administrative measures have since been lifted after the companies undertook corrective compliance efforts.