"Large-scale XXL Labubu figurine valued at £100,000 discovered by law enforcement during a raid on a notorious criminal organization"
In a recent development, a rare Labubu doll, worth over £100,000, was seized by Hong Kong police during a raid. This collectible toy, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and produced by the Beijing-based brand Pop Mart, has become a global sensation, embraced by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Labubu dolls, with their distinctive design of a rabbit-like creature, have captured the hearts of many, thanks to their unique blend of art, folklore, and fashion trends. The mystery-box sales model, where buyers don’t know which doll they will get, has created a craze akin to past collectible toy phenomena like Beanie Babies and Pokémon.
The Labubu brand made its debut in 2015 and skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019. The dolls carry a cultural significance not only as trendy collectibles but also as a symbol of the "Lipstick Effect"—where consumers under economic pressure indulge in smaller luxuries like these toys instead of larger purchases.
The immense popularity and escalating prices of Labubu dolls have unfortunately led to a surge in counterfeit products. In Shanghai, authorities recently seized over 5,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls and arrested a gang that smuggled and assembled fake dolls to pass them off as originals. This crackdown highlights both the significant market value of authentic Labubu dolls and the challenges posed by counterfeiting amid their booming demand.
The seizure in Hong Kong is said to belong to the Triad syndicate, one of China's oldest and most notorious criminal organizations. The ringleader, a 44-year-old man, is suspected of running the operation and involving friends and family in a money laundering scheme. The gang's funds came from prostitution, drug trafficking, and illegal gambling, according to police.
As many as 82 suspects were arrested during 'Operation HIDDENARROW', launched by Hong Kong police on July 29, 2025. The operation also resulted in the seizure of €780,000 in cash, 11,000 bottles of wine, luxury watches, gold, and other valuables.
The popularity of Labubu has made its way to the UK, with the first three months of 2025 being wildly successful for the brand. In June, Labubu sales in the US went up by 5,000% compared to the year before. Despite the counterfeit issue, authentic Labubu dolls continue to be highly coveted, as evidenced by the high-value seizure in Hong Kong.
Online controversies have linked Labubu dolls to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu due to their eerie design, sparking conspiracy theories and warnings on social media. However, these claims lack solid evidence and have been challenged by many observers.
In summary, the seizure of a rare, high-value Labubu doll in Hong Kong highlights the intense demand and escalating market price for authentic Labubu collectibles. The doll's unique design, cultural significance, and booming global market have made it a target for counterfeiters, while also attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies. Despite these challenges, Labubu continues to captivate the hearts of collectors and celebrities alike.
Pop-culture and entertainment spheres have been captivated by the Labubu doll, with its unique design crossing over into general-news due to the surge of counterfeit products and gang-related activities. The triad syndicate, a notorious criminal organization in China, is suspected of being involved in the seizure of a high-value Labubu doll in Hong Kong, also leading to the arrest of multiple suspects.
