(Yicai) July 29 -- Shanghai police have cracked a counterfeiting ring, seizing over 5,000 fake Pop Mart toys, including coveted Labubu figures, worth in excess of CNY12 million (USD1.7 million).

Xuhui district police arrested all eight members of the criminal gang, raided its warehouse, and confiscated all of the knock-off products after receiving tip-offs from consumers, Yicai learned. The ring began peddling fake toys last November.

The gang was taken into custody, with one member detained on charges of selling goods that infringe registered trademarks.

Pop Mart International Group is a “blind box” toy maker whose collectibles, especially the Labubu plush toy monster elves, have become cultural icons among young urban consumers. In the wake of their popularity, the Beijing‑based company’s shares have skyrocketed since the start of last year. Pop Mart is worth HKD351.6 billion (USD49 billion) as of today’s market close.

Shanghai police will also investigate the toy suppliers and the online retailers involved in the case.

The authorities have urged consumers to buy only from official outlets and verify that products are genuine by checking anti‑counterfeit codes, examining box labels and logo stamps, and scrutinizing product details.

Editor: Futura Costaglione