Kathrine Frich
The man has been charged with four counts of burglary and two counts of theft
A 40-year-old man has been charged in Melbourne after allegedly stealing dozens of collectible Labubu dolls, quirky, elf-like toys that have become a global sensation among fans and collectors.
Dozens of dolls seized
Victoria Police said officers raided a property on Tuesday, recovering 43 Labubu dolls worth around A$9,000 (US$5,800). Some of the toys were limited editions, valued at up to $500 each.
Investigators allege the dolls were stolen during four separate robberies at a shopping centre between July and October.
The man has been charged with four counts of burglary and two counts of theft and is due to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in May next year.
In a press release cheekily titled “These Labubu are not for you, you,” police confirmed the suspect was released on bail.
The toy everyone wants
Created by Chinese brand Pop Mart, Labubu dolls feature plush bodies, vinyl faces, and wide grins revealing nine tiny teeth. With their mischievous expressions and whimsical designs, they’ve gained a cult following across Asia and beyond.
Since their 2019 launch, Pop Mart has grown into a global retail powerhouse, operating over 2,000 stores and vending machines worldwide.
Celebrity fans, including Kim Kardashian and Blackpink’s Lisa — have helped turn Labubu into an international phenomenon, with fans queuing outside stores and scouring resale sites for rare editions.
Despite their success, Pop Mart’s shares have recently dipped after JPMorgan analysts warned the company could be overvalued and may struggle to sustain its current popularity.
But for collectors, the craze shows no signs of slowing, and in Australia, at least, the obsession has just turned criminal.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
