“Dangerous” fake Labubus worth millions seized by border police

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As a Labubu fan, I’m really worried! It seems like tons of fake Labubu dolls are being shipped into the UK. Apparently, they make up almost 90% of *all* the counterfeit toys customs officials are finding – it’s a huge problem for collectors like me!

UK authorities have seized about £3.5 million (around $4.3 million) worth of fake toys this year, according to the Home Office, the government department that handles immigration and law enforcement. Most of these counterfeits were copies of the popular Labubu toy.

Labubu, a playful goblin character designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, is now hugely popular worldwide. Collectible figures are released through Pop Mart in limited quantities and frequently sell out quickly, with some reselling for hundreds of dollars.

The UK Intellectual Property Office, responsible for trademarks and copyright, has cautioned that many confiscated toys don’t meet minimum safety standards. These toys frequently contain dangerous substances, small parts that could cause choking, or are poorly constructed from cheap materials that easily break and smell strongly.

The agency recently started a campaign, “Fake Toys, Real Harm,” to educate the public about the dangers of counterfeit toys. A recent survey revealed that most people (70%) buy fake toys because they’re cheaper, with safety being a concern for only 27% of buyers.

Authorities are advising people who collect or buy toys to purchase only from official stores or retailers they trust. They warn that the recent increase in fake Labubu dolls might be a sign of a growing problem, and that counterfeiters could start targeting other popular collectibles soon.

As a Labubu collector, I’ve learned a cool way to check if mine are authentic! Apparently, you shine a UV light on the right foot, and if it’s a genuine Labubu, you’ll see a tiny shadow of the figure itself. It’s a neat little detail that helps confirm it’s the real deal!

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2025-09-25 13:18