Italian influencer and entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni has donated €200,000 to victims of gender violence amidst an ongoing fraud investigation. The donation is part of an agreement with consumer rights group CODACONS, which has now withdrawn its criminal complaint and stood down as a civil plaintiff in the case.
Despite this agreement, the case continues. Ferragni, along with three others, is accused of misleading buyers through charity campaigns linked to the sales of Balocco’s “Pink Christmas” Pandoro and Dolci Preziosi Easter eggs.
Prosecutors Allege Fraudulent Practices
The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office claims Ferragni and her associates used charitable causes as a cover to inflate product prices. The campaigns ran between 2021 and 2022, with the products marketed as supporting women affected by gender violence.
However, prosecutors allege that Ferragni earned over €2.2 million in illicit profits from the sales. They argue that the advertising misled consumers, as only a fraction of the proceeds reached the intended beneficiaries.
CODACONS’ Role and Withdrawal
CODACONS initially filed the complaint, accusing Ferragni of exploiting consumers’ goodwill by overstating the charitable impact of the campaigns. Following Ferragni’s €200,000 donation, the group decided to end its involvement in the case, stating the funds would make a tangible difference for victims of gender violence.
CODACONS’ withdrawal simplifies the legal proceedings, but prosecutors continue to investigate the alleged profit discrepancies and the role of Ferragni and her associates.
Wider Implications for Charity Campaigns
The case has reignited debates about transparency in celebrity-endorsed charity initiatives. Critics argue that such campaigns must ensure clear accounting practices to maintain public trust. The investigation could set a precedent for future oversight of similar efforts in Italy.
Ferragni is a prominent fashion entrepreneur and social media influencer.
