Fake Labubu toys worth $1.7 million seized in Shanghai

Law enforcement authorities in Shanghai have cracked down on a criminal group attempting to distribute a batch of counterfeit Labubu toys worth 12 million yuan (approximately $1.7 million).

Report informs via TASS that police seized a batch of 5,000 counterfeit items. The fakes closely mimicked rare models of the popular toys, with appearances and trademarks identical to the originals. However, the counterfeit producers had not obtained permission from Pop Mart, the official distributor of the products. The counterfeit items were being sold at 60–70% of the original retail price.

Labubu is a toy character with rabbit-like ears, bulging eyes, and a wide grin full of sharp teeth. It was created by Hong Kong-born designer and writer Kasing Lung. In 2015, he launched a series of stories titled The Monsters, heavily inspired by Scandinavian mythology.

In 2019, Kasing Lung signed an agreement with Pop Mart, which began producing dolls based on his characters. Today, Labubu figures are available in more than 300 variations in different colors, shapes, and sizes.