Wasn't sure where to post this, but this is the closest thing to an appropriate existing thread.
So, we know 'penal labour' is extensively used quite a few countries-- China, Russia and the USA being foremost among them. Usually inmates are forced to work strenuous production-line jobs for little or no pay. Al Jazeera believes that China operates the biggest penal labour system in the world today.
Other countries have laws against enforced servitude. And in those countries, private companies tend to state that they don't engage with overseas production lines using enforced servitude.
...except, of course, it appears that's far from the truth. A customer purchasing a coat from British retailer Regatta-- which states it does not use prison labour-- found a prison ID sewed into the lining of her expensive coat.
UK brand says investigation shows individual was paid employee, not inmate, as Derbyshire customer raises concern over prison labour [update - see footnote]
www.theguardian.com
Chinese prisoners used as slaves have managed to get several messages out in the past:
* a pregnancy test bought in Paris came with a note, saying: "Dear friends, do you know that behind your peaceful life, there are Chinese prisoners".
* a Tesco Christmas card contained a note saying: "We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qinqpu prison China. Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organization".
* A handbag purchased from Walmart contained a note saying: "Inmates in Yingshan Prison work 14 hours a day and are not allowed to rest at noon. We have to work overtime until midnight. People are beaten for not finishing their work".
This kind of thing lends credence to the adage, "there is no ethical consumption under capitalism". Because even if you try to follow a moral code when you buy stuff, and check where/how the companies say things are sourced... this kind of gross exploitation could still be there, just hidden behind lies and distance.