Milan Prosecutors Seek Judicial Oversight of Tod's

Milan prosecutors have asked that luxury shoemaker Tod's be placed under judicial administration over alleged worker exploitation at subcontractors in its supply chain, uncovered in probes of workshops in Lombardy and Marche. Prosecutors allege Tod's culpably failed to adequately oversee suppliers — including factories run by Chinese operators — as part of efforts to cut costs and maximize profits. The request is part of a wider Italian crackdown into labor practices among luxury brands, with recent probes touching Loro Piana, Valentino, Dior and Armani. Tod's says it is not under criminal investigation, rejects involvement, says it routinely conducts checks, requires contractual safeguards from workshops and will review case documents to demonstrate compliance with labor laws. A jurisdictional dispute over which court should hear the request has prompted Italy's Supreme Court to schedule a November 19 hearing, and judges could impose court oversight on Tod's if they agree with prosecutors.