Shanghai Police Seize $1.7 Million Worth of Fake Labubu Toys in Counterfeit Operation

Kokcha News Agency: Shanghai police have uncovered a counterfeit ring producing and selling fake versions of the globally popular Labubu toys. According to state media, eight suspects were detained, and around 5,000 counterfeit toys, valued at $1.7 million, were confiscated.

Labubu characters, created by Beijing-based toy company Pop Mart, have gained immense popularity worldwide. These furry, toothy figures, often priced around $40, are released in limited quantities, leading to long queues and high demand in stores globally. Celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa have been spotted carrying Labubu toys, further boosting their appeal.

However, the rise of counterfeit products, dubbed “Lafufu” by social media users, has become a growing concern, particularly on online platforms. These fake items, mostly produced in China, are damaging Pop Mart’s brand value.

The Shanghai operation began after a customer reported purchasing a fake Labubu toy online. Pop Mart alerted the police, leading to an investigation that uncovered an online store selling counterfeit toys alongside various electronic products like fans, speakers, and gaming consoles.

During a raid on a warehouse, police seized 5,000 fake toys along with counterfeit Pop Mart labels and security stickers. Eight individuals were arrested in connection with the operation.

This is not the first time Labubu toys have been linked to criminal activity. Last year, a family in Singapore was caught on security cameras stealing Labubu toys from vending machines. In June, thieves in California, USA, stole several Labubu toys along with electronic devices from a store.

Pop Mart officials have emphasized their commitment to combating counterfeiting and urged customers to purchase only through official channels.

How Labubu Became a Global Phenomenon:
The Labubu character was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in his 2015 book series “The Monsters.” Inspired by Norse mythology, Labubu’s design features small horns, sharp teeth, and a “cute evil” appearance. In 2019, Pop Mart licensed the character and introduced Labubu in “blind box” format, where customers buy sealed boxes without knowing which character is inside.

Labubu’s global breakthrough came when Blackpink’s Lisa was seen carrying one in 2024, sparking viral attention on social media. Celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Dua Lipa further popularized the toy, turning it into a global craze.

According to Pop Mart’s 2024 data, “The Monsters” collection (featuring Labubu and friends) generated $870 million in sales in the first half of the year. By 2025, the company’s profits had surged by 350% compared to the previous year, with revenues increasing by nearly 200%. Pop Mart’s market value has now reached $40 billion.