A frenzy surrounding highly collectible Chinese toys has sparked a major investigation by UK authorities over concerns that vulnerable members of the Chinese community are being systematically exploited.
Trading Standards officers in Moray, Scotland, have launched a formal probe into the buying and selling of 'Labubu' figures after being alerted to potentially coercive practices. The investigation centres on claims that individuals are being pressured into purchasing these sought-after items to fuel a lucrative resale market.
The Allure of the Labubu
Labubu, a quirky, fanged character created by Hong Kong-based designer Kasing Lung, has become a global phenomenon. Its appeal lies in a business model built on artificial scarcity and the 'blind box' concept—where buyers purchase sealed boxes not knowing which specific figure they will get inside.
Certain rare variants, known as 'chase' pieces, can command staggering prices on the secondary market, sometimes selling for hundreds or even thousands of pounds, turning a hobby into a high-stakes investment opportunity.
Allegations of Pressure and Exploitation
The investigation was triggered by specific reports from within the Chinese community. Concerns were raised that some individuals, often students or newcomers to the UK, were being coerced into buying large quantities of these toys.
The alleged practices include:
- Financial Pressure: Individuals being encouraged to spend significant sums of money they can ill-afford on boxes of figures.
- Resale Networks: Being instructed to immediately resell rare finds at a profit for the benefit of others organising the bulk purchases.
- Social Coercion: The use of community ties and social pressure to encourage participation in the scheme, making it difficult for victims to refuse.
"It was the fact that it was a particular community being exploited that was the concern," stated a spokesperson for Moray Council's Trading Standards team, highlighting the targeted nature of the alleged exploitation.
Official Response and Consumer Warnings
Moray Council has confirmed its officers are actively investigating the claims to determine if any consumer protection or fair trading laws have been broken. While the second-hand selling of items for a profit is not inherently illegal, pressuring or misleading vulnerable consumers is a serious offence.
The case serves as a stark warning to consumers caught up in similar investment crazes. Trading Standards experts advise caution, emphasising that the value of such collectibles is highly volatile and based on trends that can collapse suddenly, leaving investors with worthless inventory.
This investigation into the Labubu trade reveals a darker side to the collectibles market, where community trust can be weaponised for financial gain, turning a beloved hobby into a potential source of harm.
