The logistics multinational Kuehne+Nagel has come under scrutiny by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office for activities deemed unlawful in relation to logistics contracts, specifically those involving the large-scale retail company Iperal. On 2 April 2025, Milan public prosecutor Paolo Storari ordered the seizure of €16,508,913.91 from Iperal and €16,498,638.09 from the Milan branch of Kuehne+Nagel, as emergency preventive measures within the framework of an inquiry into the unlawful provision of labour and the use of false invoices.
The mechanism attributed to the two companies mirrors that uncovered in previous investigations into logistics multinationals launched by the Milan prosecutor in recent years. The allegation is that invoices were used for non-existent operations, issued by service contractors under the guise of simulated subcontracting agreements. In this way, investigators claim, the companies disguised the supply of labour and secured unjust tax advantages through the fraudulent deduction of value-added tax.
The operations reportedly involved the use of cooperatives or intermediary firms that officially employed the workers, subsequently supplying them on a systematic basis to the contracting companies. This arrangement allegedly enabled the beneficiary firms to cut labour costs and offer highly competitive rates, at the expense of proper employment practices and compliance with tax and social security regulations.
In the case of Iperal and Kuehne+Nagel, investigators claim to have uncovered bogus subcontracting agreements covering logistics and goods handling services. The savings generated—through the evasion of contributions and the unlawful deduction of VAT—are said to have caused damage to the public treasury and encouraged practices of unfair competition and worker exploitation.
In addition to the seizure orders, the Milan prosecutor has placed the chief executive officer of Iperal and the Italian head of Kuehne+Nagel under formal investigation. The two companies are being held liable under the Italian legislation on corporate administrative responsibility, while searches and digital seizures are ongoing at their operational sites. The seizures must be validated by the preliminary investigations judge within ten days.
This latest operation underscores the Milan prosecutor’s commitment to tackling irregular labour supply, particularly in the logistics and transport sectors. Previous investigations have already led to the recovery of over €550 million in tax reimbursements for the Italian Revenue Agency, and the regularisation of more than 49,000 workers who were previously employed under precarious and unprotected conditions.
