An Australian man has been charged after allegedly stealing dozens of Labubu dolls valued at around A$9,000 ($5,800, £4,400) in a string of robberies across Melbourne.
According to Victoria Police, officers raided a property on Tuesday, recovering 43 Labubu dolls, including several limited-edition collectibles worth up to A$500 each. Investigators believe the dolls were stolen from a shopping centre during four separate burglaries since July.
The Labubu dolls, created by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, are known for their distinctive plush bodies, vinyl faces, pointed ears, and trademark mischievous grins displaying nine tiny teeth. Since their debut in 2019, the quirky elf-like figures have become a global phenomenon, with collectors lining up for hours outside Pop Mart stores to secure new releases.
In a lighthearted press statement titled “These Labubu Are Not for You, You,” Victoria Police confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect has been charged with four counts of burglary and two counts of theft. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court in May next year.
Pop Mart’s success with Labubu has propelled the brand to international fame, operating over 2,000 retail outlets and vending machines worldwide. The dolls’ popularity has been amplified by celebrity fans such as Kim Kardashian and Lisa of K-pop group Blackpink, helping Pop Mart dominate the global designer toy market.
However, despite its success, Pop Mart’s shares have dipped recently following a JPMorgan report warning that the company may be overvalued and could struggle to maintain its rapid growth amid concerns about market saturation.
