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Milan Court Acquits Chiara Ferragni in ‘Pandorogate’ Fraud Case

A judge found the case could not proceed after downgrading the allegation to simple fraud requiring a formal complaint.

Overview

  • Judge Ilio Mannucci reclassified aggravated fraud to simple fraud and dismissed proceedings after consumer group Codacons withdrew its complaint.
  • Prosecutors had sought a 20-month sentence over promotions of a Balocco pandoro and Dolci Preziosi Easter eggs marketed as charity-linked.
  • Administrative penalties stand, with Italy’s competition authority fining Ferragni’s companies more than €1 million and Balocco €420,000 for unfair practices.
  • Authorities said the Turin children’s hospital received a single €50,000 donation while Ferragni’s companies earned about €1 million from the pandoro campaign.
  • Ferragni and her firms have paid roughly €3.4 million in fines, donations and reimbursements, and it remains unclear whether prosecutors will appeal.