Between trafficking and tax fraud: the emerging forms of labour exploitation in Italian supply chains and corporate networks

• In Event: Criminology of Mobility. Panel 6. Forms of trafficking in human beings

Abstract

In contemporary capitalist economies, worker exploitation remains a persistent risk, exacerbated by deregulated and flexible labour markets. In particular, labour exploitation is increasingly embedded in global supply chains, where complex networks of subcontracting and outsourcing can obscure accountability and facilitate exploitative practices.
Our paper examines the role of lengthy supply chains and subcontracts in enabling workers’ exploitation. By drawing on a number of case studies across key sectors of the Italian economy - including logistics, food retail and luxury goods - the paper investigates the characteristics and risk factors of the companies involved, and highlights the new schemes which combine the typical modi operandi of labour exploitation with emerging forms of tax fraud, false invoicing and other financial crimes. This research draws on insights from the EU co-funded VANGUARD project (Grant Number 101121282).
The initial findings of this study contribute to filling a critical knowledge gap by shedding light on the role of companies in exploitative schemes. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing effective policies and enforcement strategies to early detect high risk firms and prevent labour exploitation in vulnerable sectors.

Authors

• Carlotta Carbone, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Clara Rondani, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Michele Riccardi, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore