Two Tuscan fashion companies placed under judicial administration

The Florence Prevention Court has placed two prominent fashion companies, reportedly Patrizia Pepe and Dixie, under judicial administration for one year. The decision follows an investigation by the Prato Prosecutor's Office and the Guardia di Finanza into labor exploitation within their production chains.

Investigators allege that the companies outsourced production to an organization managed by Albanian citizens that exploited workers of Albanian and Bengali nationality. The system reportedly involved illegal intermediation, the use of shell companies, and the employment of undocumented workers. Victims were allegedly subjected to exhausting rhythms, inadequate pay, denied rest, falsified pay slips, and physical violence.

By outsourcing to this entity, the fashion brands reportedly achieved significant reductions in production costs. Eighteen exploited workers cooperated with the investigation, and prosecutors have requested residence permits for them on justice-related grounds.