Police warn fake Labubu dolls could contain toxic chemicals and pose choking risks to children

Almost 100 counterfeit Labubu dolls have been seized from Liverpool shops in a joint police and Trading Standards operation, amid growing warnings that fake versions of the popular toy could be dangerous to children.

Officers from Merseyside Police, working with Liverpool City Council’s Trading Standards, raided two stores in the city centre on Tuesday and discovered shelves stacked with imitation Labubu toys priced at just £7.99 each. The soft, furry monster-like dolls — inspired by the original figures made by Chinese collectibles brand Pop Mart — have exploded in popularity over recent months, becoming a viral craze on social media.

But police say the fakes flooding into UK markets are far from harmless. Tests have revealed that counterfeit versions often contain toxic paint, unsafe stuffing, and even sharp internal components, all of which pose a significant hazard to children.

The seizures coincided with the launch of a national awareness drive titled “Fake Toys, Real Harms”, led by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The campaign warns that fake children’s products are often made with substandard materials, lacking the rigorous safety checks required for legitimate toys.

The IPO said that counterfeit toys can be made using chemicals linked to increased cancer risks and can break apart easily, presenting choking dangers to young children. Nationally, more than 200,000 fake Labubu dolls have been seized before reaching consumers — a figure that represents around 90% of all counterfeit toy seizures in the UK this year. Experts estimate the total street value of these toys at £3.3 million.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said that one of the seized toys had been found to be poorly constructed, with its head and feet twisting and loosening with minimal pressure. Its internal stuffing also tore open easily, exposing unsealed foam and synthetic fibres that could be ingested or inhaled.

Sergeant Richard Clare, who led the operation, said the raids were necessary to protect the public. “We understand that some people may not see the harm in buying counterfeit toys, especially when they’re cheaper or appear similar to the real thing,” he said. “But behind these fake products are serious risks – not just to children’s safety, but to our communities.

“Counterfeit and illicit goods are rarely just about fake products. They’re often linked to wider criminal networks that cause real harm.”

The dolls were seized from two separate retail units — one on Ranelagh Street and another on Church Street — both of which are now under investigation. Trading Standards officers confirmed that the shop owners could face prosecution under consumer protection and intellectual property laws.

Officials say the fakes have been flooding UK marketplaces both in-store and online, targeting parents searching for cheaper alternatives to the genuine collectibles, which can sell for over £40 each.

Safety experts warn that the dangers extend beyond the toys themselves. “Counterfeit products bypass every single safeguard we rely on to protect children,” said one Trading Standards officer. “There are no guarantees that the materials aren’t flammable or laced with dangerous chemicals.”

The crackdown forms part of a wider national effort to tackle the surge in counterfeit goods ahead of the Christmas shopping season, when demand for trending toys typically peaks. Authorities are urging parents to check for legitimate branding, proper labelling, and CE or UKCA safety markings before buying.

The real Labubu dolls, created by Pop Mart’s artist Kasing Lung, are known for their distinctive wide-eyed monster faces and have become a cult favourite among collectors. But their success has made them a prime target for counterfeiters.

With the latest seizure, police hope to raise awareness that a cheap price tag can come at a dangerous cost. “If something seems too good to be true,” Sgt Clare warned, “it probably is.”