- Newham Council enforcement officers seized hundreds of counterfeit Labubu dolls from illegal street traders in the borough, with an estimated street value of over £10,000.
- The fake toys, popular collectibles from Pop Mart, were substandard, posing risks like choking hazards and toxic materials to children.
- Officers acted on intelligence and public complaints about unlicensed sales in high streets and markets, destroying the seized items under Trading Standards powers.
- Cllr Natsiree El-Wahab urged residents to “get the real deal”, warning that counterfeits undermine legitimate businesses and fund organised crime.
- The operation targeted hotspots like Stratford and Green Street, part of a wider anti-counterfeiting drive seizing £500,000 in fakes borough-wide this year.
- Labubu dolls, elf-like characters created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have surged in popularity via blind box sales, attracting copycats.
- Buyers advised to check official retailers, holograms and packaging; reports of fakes via council’s online portal encouraged.
- Similar seizures reported across London, with Met Police linking counterfeits to money laundering and poor-quality imports from Asia.
Newham Council has seized hundreds of fake Labubu dolls from illegal traders, issuing a stark warning to parents and collectors to “get the real deal” amid concerns over child safety hazards and the booming counterfeit market for the viral collectible toys.
Why were fake Labubu dolls seized in Newham?
As reported by the Romford Recorder, Newham Council’s Trading Standards team executed warrants and street patrols after intelligence pinpointed unlicensed sellers hawking counterfeit Labubu dolls in busy areas. Officers recovered over 300 fakes with a street value exceeding £10,000, describing them as “dangerously substandard” lacking safety certifications. Cllr Natsiree El-Wahab, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, stated: “These knock-offs aren’t just ripping off fans – they’re a risk to our kids with potential choking parts and nasty chemicals.”
The Recorder detailed that the dolls, part of Pop Mart’s trendy blind box series featuring mischievous elf-like creatures designed by Kasing Lung, exploded in popularity via social media, drawing counterfeiters. Public complaints about suspiciously cheap deals triggered the blitz, with seized items immediately destroyed to prevent resale.
What risks do counterfeit Labubu dolls pose?
According to the Romford Recorder article, fake Labubu dolls failed basic safety tests, featuring small detachable parts posing choking dangers to young children and unregulated paints potentially containing lead or phthalates. Cllr El-Wahab warned: “Parents think they’re getting a bargain, but they’re buying health hazards that could end up in A&E.” The council linked poor-quality fakes to wider issues like allergic reactions and environmental toxins from unregulated imports.
The report noted Labubu’s appeal to Gen Z collectors, with authentic rare editions fetching hundreds, amplifying the counterfeit scam’s profitability. Trading Standards advised checking CE marks, official packaging and seller credentials, as fakes often mimic holograms poorly.
Which Newham hotspots were targeted in the operation?
The Romford Recorder specified Stratford High Street, Green Street and local markets as prime locations for the seizures, where traders operated from bags and stalls without permits. Officers used undercover buys to gather evidence before swooping, seizing cash and mobile phones alongside the dolls. Cllr El-Wahab highlighted: “These areas are shopping hubs – we can’t let fakes flood our high streets.”
This formed part of Newham’s £500,000 counterfeit haul this year, targeting vapes, clothes and electronics too. The council plans ongoing patrols during peak shopping seasons.
How does Newham Council advise spotting fake Labubus?
Per the Romford Recorder, authentic Labubu dolls from Pop Mart feature high-quality sculpting, vibrant non-fading colours, secure joints and branded blind boxes with serial numbers. Fakes show rough edges, misspelt branding like “Lababi” and prices under £10 versus official £12-£20. Residents urged to shop via pop-up stores, official websites or verified resellers like Amazon’s authorised sellers.
Cllr El-Wahab encouraged reporting suspects via Newham’s portal or Crimestoppers, stating: “Together, we keep fakes off shelves.” The council offers free authenticity checks at Trading Standards drop-ins.
What is the impact on legitimate Labubu sellers?
The article quotes Pop Mart UK representatives welcoming the action, noting counterfeits erode brand trust and sales. Legit sellers in Westfield Stratford reported 30% revenue dips from street fakes undercutting prices. Cllr El-Wahab affirmed: “Supporting real businesses means quality products and local jobs – fakes steal both.”
Broader economic harm cited: counterfeits fund organised crime syndicates importing via container ships.
How common are Labubu fakes across London?
The Romford Recorder contextualised Newham’s raid within a London surge, with neighbouring Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest reporting similar doll seizures. Met Police operations nabbed £2m in toys last quarter, linking to Asian factories. National Trading Standards estimates £1bn annual UK counterfeit toy losses.
Similar viral toys like Squishmallows faced crackdowns, per the report.
What powers do councils have against counterfeit traders?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Trade Marks Act, councils issue seizure notices, fines up to £5,000 and prosecute for trademark infringement. Newham destroyed fakes on-site, banning traders from borough events. Repeat offenders face jail, with recent convictions yielding £20,000 penalties.
Cllr El-Wahab: “Our message is clear – trade fakes, face the full force of the law.”
What is Labubu and why so popular?
Labubu, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, debuted in Pop Mart blind boxes blending cute monster aesthetics with collectible rarity. Social media hype via TikTok unboxings propelled sales, with limited editions reselling for £500+. The Recorder attributes appeal to “playful designs sparking joy and FOMO among collectors.”
Global phenomenon, but UK fakes proliferate via markets and online.
Will there be more anti-counterfeit operations?
Newham pledges intensified Christmas patrols, partnering with Met Police. Cllr El-Wahab: “This is just the start – expect more raids to protect shoppers.” Public urged vigilance for ongoing safety.
