Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Milan Prosecutor Seeks 1 Year, 8 Months for Chiara Ferragni in 'Pandorogate' Fraud Case

Under Italy’s abbreviated procedure, a December 19 defense hearing will precede a ruling that is unlikely to trigger jail time at the requested level.

Overview

  • Prosecutor Cristian Barilli asked the court to sentence Ferragni and her former aide Fabio Maria Damato to one year and eight months, and Francesco Cannillo to one year.
  • The case centers on 2021–2022 promotions of branded pandoros and Easter eggs advertised as charitable, which authorities say misled consumers.
  • Italy’s competition authority found Balocco had made a single €50,000 donation to Turin’s Regina Margherita hospital before the campaign and not tied to sales.
  • The prosecution estimates Ferragni personally benefited by about €2.2 million and that her companies earned over €1 million in licensing and promotional fees.
  • Ferragni says she acted in good faith, has apologized, and has paid roughly €3.4 million in fines, donations, and compensation, including a €1 million gift to the hospital; the trial began on November 4 under an abbreviated procedure, with a verdict expected after the December 19 defense arguments, likely in January.