U.S. Customs seized over $500,000 worth of counterfeit toys disguised as light bulbs in a brazen smuggling operation that highlights how foreign criminals exploit our borders to flood America with dangerous, fake products.
Story Highlights
- CBP intercepted 11,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls worth $513,937 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- South Korean shipment was deceptively labeled as LED bulbs to evade customs detection
- Fake dolls violated federal intellectual property laws and posed serious choking hazards to children
- Consumer safety agencies had previously warned Americans about dangerous counterfeit versions flooding the market
Massive Counterfeit Operation Exposed
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport discovered over 11,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls hidden in a shipment from South Korea in late August 2025. The smugglers attempted to deceive authorities by falsely labeling the cargo as LED bulbs, demonstrating the sophisticated methods foreign criminals use to circumvent American border security. The seized merchandise carried an estimated retail value of $513,937, representing one of the largest toy counterfeiting busts in recent memory.
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Consumer Safety Risks Ignored by Criminals
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Better Business Bureau had issued urgent warnings in August 2025 about counterfeit Labubu dolls posing serious choking hazards to children. These fake products lack the safety standards and quality controls required for legitimate toys sold in America. The counterfeit dolls contained small parts that could easily detach, creating life-threatening situations for young children who might swallow them. Foreign counterfeiters deliberately ignored these safety requirements to maximize profits at the expense of American families.
Border Security Protects American Families
CBP officials confirmed the seizure violated federal intellectual property laws, protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses from unfair competition. The authentic Labubu dolls, produced by Pop Mart, include verification features like QR codes and holographic stickers that the counterfeits lacked. This enforcement action demonstrates how proper border security serves multiple purposes: protecting intellectual property rights, ensuring consumer safety, and maintaining fair market competition for American retailers and distributors.
Ongoing Investigation Targets Criminal Network
While no arrests have been announced, CBP continues investigating the smuggling network behind this operation. The seized dolls remain in federal custody pending destruction, ensuring they never reach American consumers. This case highlights the need for continued vigilance at our ports of entry, where dedicated customs officers work daily to protect Americans from dangerous foreign products and criminal schemes that exploit our open markets.
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Over $500,000 worth of fake Labubu dolls seized at Seattle airport by US Customs
Labubu counterfeits worth $500K seized at airport
CBP seizes fake Labubu dolls valued at over $500K and disguised as light bulbs at Seattle airport
11,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls worth $500,000 seized in Seattle
