Fake Labubus Seized in Seattle

On August 26, more than 11,000 counterfeit Labubus were taken at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) evaluates the cost of those fake Labubus to be over $500,000.

“Fake Labubus are not welcome in America,” said CBP on X, “Thanks for the good catch, Seattle!”

CBP officers who were assigned to search a Seattle Air Cargo that came from South Korea found a box that was falsely manifested as a “LED Bulb,” a CBP spokesperson told ABC news.

“Smugglers engaged in this banned action have incurred a significant economic loss,” a spokesperson said. Still, no arrests have been made for the counterfeit shipment.

Brian Humphrey, the director of field operations for the CBP Seattle ground office, said, “officers are still on the lookout for the one and only 24K gold Labubu.”

Labubu, a line of collectible plush toys created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, exploded in popularity this year. Pop Mart, the company that markets Labubu dolls, made $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, a whopping 106.9% increase from the previous year, according to the company’s financial report.

On average, a Labubu doll costs around $30, but sometimes rarer editions can go for hundreds or even thousands on the resale market.

The counterfeit doll’s alternative, “Lafufus,” are usually made with second-rate materials and may have different looks.

“Excellent work by our diligent and meticulous CBPOs!” said Humphrey on social media.