Published: Wednesday 24 September 2025
Kensington and Chelsea Council’s trading standards team has seized 130 counterfeit Labubu dolls in Earl’s Court following two raids this month.
Fakes found in Earl's Court
The viral soft toy is tipped to be the best-selling toy this Christmas and seen with celebrities on social media, including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. The fakes were seized by Council officers from seven local shops including supermarkets and souvenir stores in the Earl’s Court area.
Poor quality and unsafe
The fake dolls were found to be sold without appropriate warnings and instructions and were poorly made. They also posed a choking hazard due to their small parts such as eyes and feet which could easily come off from the soft toy.
What happens next?
The business owners who were found selling counterfeit dolls will receive a formal warning letter from the Council and could face formal action, which may lead to prosecution if they continue to sell fake goods.
Further operations will be carried out by the Council’s trading standards officers to ensure unsafe and fake goods are removed from the borough’s streets.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment and planning said:
"Labubu dolls are the latest collectible trend and high demand for this popular toy has also led to a rise in counterfeit versions.
"In Kensington and Chelsea, we want original and high-quality products, not fakes.
"That is why our trading standards team are out seizing counterfeit goods and keeping our borough’s high streets safer, fairer and best in class."
How to spot a fake product
- Check the quality, inferior products will use cheaper materials of poorer quality
- Check the label on the product such as holographic stickers or scannable QR codes
- Check for recognized logos and trademarks
- Check for spelling mistakes, genuine items will be produced by reputable firms with proofreaders!
Report it
If you are a victim of crime or fraud and want to report it, please contact the [email protected]