The city of Prato, near Florence (Italy), which is known as the largest fast fashion production hub in Europe, is sinking into a wave of violence as foreign mafia gangs battle for control. The goal is not only the hook market worth hundreds of millions of euros per year, but also the transportation of garments to and from across Europe.
Prosecutor Luca Tescaroli warned that the situation had gone beyond Italy to France and Spain. He called for additional police, judges and the establishment of a separate anti- mafia unit for Prato.
According to the investigation, the gangs also organize illegal labor migration, mainly from China and Pakistan, to provide cheap labor for the local garment industry.
This industry operates under the " Prato system" - a highly organized production network but full of violations, from tax evasion, customs fraud to labor and safety violations.
About 5,000 production and knitting facilities, mainly operated by the Chinese, are often closed and opened quickly to avoid inspection. Immigrant workers work 7 days a week, 13 hours a day with a salary of about 3 euros/hour.
According to AFP, recent violence, including attacks, fireworks, and even shootings such as the murder of Zhang Dayong - a close assistant of " left-wing" propaganda boss Zhang Naizhong - have frightened the community. While Pakistan workers have been on strike demanding their rights, Chinese workers often do not dare to resist for fear of retaliation.
The situation is further aggravated by the emergence of corruption allegations in the police force and local governments. Many workers' complaints were kept to a standstill and not brought to court. Mayor Prato had to resign due to a scandal of exchanging benefits to get votes.
Experts warn that if not controlled soon, this "underground war" will continue to threaten public safety, undermining the reputation of the "Made in Italy" fashion industry.
