The ASAE, as part of Operation Sorriso Obscuro, seized 35,000 counterfeit children’s toys and detained two individuals.
The seizure followed a week-long national crime prevention operation carried out by its Regional Units, aiming to combat counterfeiting in toys and child-attractive products that could endanger the health and safety of younger consumers.
The operation specifically targeted items from the brand ‘POPMART – LABUBU’ and similar products, this authority stated in a communiqué, noting the toy’s popularity among the younger population.
More than 40 economic operators, including importers and distributors, were inspected, with a focus on large-volume commercial depots and retail outlets.
The operation led to 28 criminal cases related to counterfeiting, imitation, and illegal use of brands, as well as improper use of the CE mark, lack of labeling in Portuguese, and non-compliance with distributors’ legal obligations, resulting in the detention of two people.
This operational action, integrated into ASAE’s market supervision strategy, aimed to ensure compliance with legal requirements for toy marketing and general product safety, with a particular focus on children.
Seizure in Lisbon in August
It should be noted that at the end of August, the PSP also seized thousands of counterfeit plush toys, including Labubu, valued at over 40,000 euros.
According to a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto, the actions that led to the seizures occurred in the parish of Santa Maria Maior from August 17 to 21.
Several actions carried out in Lisbon’s Santa Maria Maior parish led to the seizure of counterfeit items valued at 45,000 euros. Among these were approximately three thousand plush dolls valued at almost 43,000 euros.
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:17 – 25/08/2025
This operation aimed to combat counterfeiting in commercial establishments and street vending, identifying the sale of suspected counterfeit items based on material quality and pricing.
Authorities explained that various items with a total value of 45,000 euros were seized. In this operation, 3,298 plush dolls worth 42,874 euros were seized.
