Labubu Fever Leads to Problems, Fake Dolls Worth Hundreds of Millions Seized in the UK

JAKARTA - Police and the city council have seized illegal goods worth approximately 45,000 euros (approximately IDR874 million), including counterfeit Labubu dolls that do not meet UK toy safety standards.

These fairy-like dolls are products of the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, which has recently become a trend among collectors and global celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian.

The raid was conducted in the Southend-on-Sea area, where officers discovered a chain of stores along the main road using vehicles and residences to conceal their stock of illegal goods.

Southend-on-Sea City Council independent member Martin Terry emphasized that his office will not tolerate trade that harms local businesses.

"We cannot tolerate trade practices that undermine the integrity of local businesses," Terry said, as quoted by the BBC.

In addition to the counterfeit dolls, a joint team from Southend-on-Sea City Council and Essex Police also found illegal cigarettes, tobacco, e-cigarettes (vapes), and various other counterfeit toys, including fake versions of Labubu and Pop Mart.

Two vehicles used as mobile delivery units were also seized and destroyed, after evidence was found that they were being used to distribute illegal goods to stores and customers.

The total value of the seized goods is estimated at around 45,000 euros. Authorities are now taking further legal action, which could include fines, store closures, or criminal charges.

"Our trading standards team works tirelessly to protect residents and ensure every retailer complies with its legal obligations," said Terry.

Earlier last month, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) reported that in 2025, it had seized more than 3.5 million euros (IDR68 billion) worth of counterfeit toys at the UK border, 90% of which were fake Labubu dolls.