Prosecutors place Glovo under investigation over alleged exploitation of thousands of riders

ROME- The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has ordered an urgent investigation into Foodinho srl, the Italian company arm of Spanish food delivery platform Glovo, on suspicion of ‘aggravated illegal hiring’ of 2,000 delivery bike riders in Milan and as many as 40,000 throughout Italy, judicial sources say. The company’s sole director, Spaniard Oscar Pierre Miquel, has also been placed under investigation. 

 

According to the prosecutor’s orders quoted by Il Messaggero newspaper, riders earn between as little as 2.50 euros and 3.70 euros per delivery. These wages fall up to 81 percent below collective bargaining agreements and up to 76 percent below Italy’s poverty threshold of 730 a month. 

 

“I cycle on the road 12 hours a day for 800-900 euros a month,” one anonymous rider told investigators from the Carabinieri Labour Inspectorate quoted by Il Messaggero, adding that drivers remained in such conditions because they were “in financial need” and needed to send money to families abroad. 

 

Public Prosecutor Paolo Storari alleges the Spanish delivery giant violated Article 36 of the Italian Constitution, which mandates that wages must be adequate and proportionate to guarantee workers “a free and dignified existence”. 

 

The investigation has found riders work under constant digital surveillance via GPS tracking. Those delivering too slowly faced automated penalties or warning calls demanding they accelerate deliveries. 

 

 “The platform incentivises speed and applies penalties in case of delays,” the prosecutor’s documents state. Riders reported working in physically and psychological stressful conditions, facing heat, cold, and disrespectful treatment from clients whilst being unable to cover basic living expenses. 

 

 This investigation follows criticism last summer when Glovo allegedly offered bonuses to delivery drivers during a record-breaking European heatwave, effectively incentivising work in extreme temperatures. The company paused the scheme after unions raised safety concerns. 

 

 A preliminary investigations judge must review the order within 10 days. Court-appointed administrator Adriano Romano will oversee the regularisation and implement measures to prevent further exploitation. 

 

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