Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into luxury group Tod’s and three of its executives over allegations of labor exploitation and abuse, according to judicial documents revealed on Thursday. The Milan prosecutor, Paolo Storari, has also sought a six-month ban on the company’s advertising, with a hearing scheduled for December 3. The documents, obtained by The Associated Press, accuse Tod’s — renowned for its premium loafers and bags — of being complicit in the exploitation of Chinese workers at subcontracted workshops in Milan and the Marche region. Prosecutors allege that Tod’s was fully aware of the workers’ dire conditions, including excessive working hours, inadequate pay, workplace safety violations, and substandard housing. Despite conducting third-party audits on these workshops, Tod’s allegedly failed to address the issues uncovered, a behavior described as “intentional blindness” by Storari. In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Tod’s denied any wrongdoing and pledged to defend itself in court. This investigation is part of a broader crackdown on labor abuses by high-end brands in Italy. Earlier this year, Italian police revealed that Chinese workers employed by an unauthorized subcontractor had produced handbags and accessories for Giorgio Armani, highlighting systemic issues in the luxury fashion industry.
Italian prosecutors investigate luxury group Tod’s for labor abuses, seek ad ban
