California has filed new legal documents accusing Amazon of engaging in price-fixing schemes that allegedly drove up consumer prices across multiple retail platforms. The state claims the e-commerce giant pressured well-known brands including Levi's and Hanes to ask competing retailers to raise prices on certain products.

According to the filing, California says it has obtained new evidence supporting allegations that Amazon's actions constituted collusion that ultimately harmed consumers by artificially inflating prices. The state argues these practices violated antitrust laws by restricting competition in the retail marketplace.

The legal action represents an escalation in ongoing scrutiny of Amazon's business practices by state and federal regulators. Amazon has faced increasing antitrust pressure in recent years from lawmakers and enforcement agencies examining whether the company's market dominance has stifled competition.

The case centers on allegations that Amazon used its market position to influence pricing strategies across the broader retail ecosystem, not just on its own platform. California's filing suggests the company's actions had ripple effects throughout the industry that extended beyond direct Amazon sales.

Amazon has not yet responded publicly to the specific allegations contained in California's new filing. The company has previously denied engaging in anticompetitive practices and has argued its business model benefits consumers through lower prices and expanded selection.