Labubu dolls have made up 90 per cent of fake toys seized at the UK border this year – with 236,000 intercepted already this year as counterfeit criminals attempt to exploit the viral trend.

UK Border Force officials are on high alert over a counterfeit toys epidemic, with a total of 259,812 fake toys worth over £3.5million seized so far this year.

Experts have warned parents that counterfeit toys, while often cheaper, could have ‘devastating consequences’ for children’s health and safety – and fear the Labubu trend is the tip of the iceberg.

The mischievous plush dolls have become a global sensation amongst children, teenagers and even the like of major celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Rihanna. 

The Daily Mail revealed earlier this month how gangs are cashing in on the trend by using cheap knockoffs to fund organised crime, human trafficking and terrorism.

Criminals attempt to smuggle the counterfeit toys in fast parcels and via air cargo or shipping containers from countries such as China, Hong Kong and Turkey. 

Once they reach the UK, experts say they quickly enter illegal distribution networks, being flogged in physical shops such as pop up stores- with the funds ending up in the hands of criminals.

This week, Kensington and Chelsea Council seized 130 fake Labubus from shops in Earl’s Court across two raids. They are one of many councils across the UK – from major cities to rural towns – who have been forced into taking action.

Of the 259,812 fake toys intercepted at the border, equivalent to 24 tonnes of goods – 90 per cent of them were counterfeit Labubu dolls, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) said.

Although 92 per cent of toy buyers – often parents and caregivers – are aware of counterfeit products being sold in the UK, they are more concerned with saving money rather than considering safety, a poll for the IPO suggested.

While seven in 10 toy buyers prioritised cost, just 27 per cent cited safety as a factor that influenced their buying decisions, the poll found.

The IPO is launching a ‘Fake Toys, Real Harms’ campaign in collaboration with toy retailers, local authorities and social media influencers to warn parents and other present buyers that counterfeit toys, while often cheaper, could have ‘devastating consequences’ for children’s health and safety.

Expert testing of seized fake goods had found banned chemicals linked to cancer and dangerous choking hazards, including in toys marketed at toddlers and infants.

Helen Barnham, the IPO’s deputy director of enforcement, said: ‘With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get.

‘Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger.

‘These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires, which is why we’re working with our partners to keep these dangerous fakes out of UK homes.

‘Our ‘Fake Toys, Real Harms’ campaign aims to raise awareness among parents and present buyers of the hidden harms associated with counterfeits. Child safety must come first, so we’re urging parents – please don’t let your child be the tester.’

Phillip Holiday, Border Force regional director, said: ‘Border Force has seized over 259,000 dangerous counterfeit toys worth £3.5 million this year, preventing them from reaching UK families. 

‘We work with partners to identify and intercept these dangerous products at UK borders, disrupting criminal networks and protecting children from unsafe toys.’

In May, counterfeit toys valued between £6million and £10million were seized in London as part of one of the largest multi-agency operations in the UK.

Swansea Council trading standards officers led raids on four toy warehouses in Southwall, west London.

Fake toys packaged as popular brands such as Pokemon, Peppa Pig and Marvel were discovered – and later found to contain harmful substances. 

Consumers buying toys are advise to stick to trusted retailers or official brand websites and exercise caution with third-party sellers on marketplaces by checking reviews carefully.

When the toy arrives it should be checked for a UKCA or CE safety mark and a UK or EU contact address on the packaging.

Those who do spot a counterfeit should return it straight away and leave a review to warn other parents, as well as reporting it to Trading Standards.