Qantas, British Airways headphones linked to Chinese prison labour

Australian flag carrier Qantas launched an investigation on Wednesday into claims it purchased headphones made in a Chinese jail where inmates who miss production targets are reportedly beaten and held in solitary confinement.

The Australian Financial Review said other big companies also allegedly used products made at Dongguan prison in the southern province of Guangdong, including British Airways and Emirates.

Two inmates recently released from the jail, including New Zealander Danny Cancian, told the newspaper they made disposable economy-class earphones for all three airlines.

Cancian, who was serving a four-year jail sentence for manslaughter, said failure to meet production targets meant prisoners were “taken outside and tasered”.

“It’s a very cruel environment. You wake up every morning wondering if you are going to survive the day,” he said.

Another inmate, who asked not to be named, said he made inductors used in electrical appliances as well as the headphones.

“Yes, I made them for the Australian airline Qantas, the one with the kangaroo as its logo,” he said. “We also made them for Emirates, British Airways and lots of others.”