REPORT: The Global Black Market of Labubu

With over 8 million fake Labubu seized from January to August 2025, the toy is driving an international counterfeit craze. World of Crime dives in unprecedented depth into this criminal economy.

For every new fad, a criminal economy arises. The speed of memes and celebrity culture now dictates the speed of criminal activity. This has never been more true than for Labubu.

The goofy, toothy creation of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu exploded into a global craze in 2024 only to be immediately monetized by sophisticated crime syndicates.

Our investigation, to be downloaded below, reveals the full, international scope of the Labubu crime wave and those who profit from it:

• 7.9 Million – The total number of counterfeit Labubu items (nicknamed “Lafufus”) seized by global customs officials this year alone.

• 90% – The staggering percentage of all fake toys seized at the UK border that were counterfeit Labubu dolls, demonstrating unprecedented criminal focus.

• 75% – The portion of seized knock-offs that failed mandated safety tests, confirming they pose lethal choking and chemical hazards.