Skip to main content
European Anti-Fraud Office
Report fraud
News article25 March 2022European Anti-Fraud Office

Over 5 million potentially dangerous toys seized

Different toys such as a teddy bear and building blocks
© BillionPhotos.com - stock.adobe.com

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) helped Europol and 21 countries seize over 5 million fake and illegal toys under Europol’s operation Ludus II. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) also supported the operation.

The total worth of seizures neared €18 million. These include counterfeit and illegal puzzle games, videogames and related characters, board and card games, dolls and puppets from famous TV series, bricks for children and clothing and accessories from famous brands. The seized goods harboured risks such as chemical exposure, strangulation, choking, electric shock, damage to hearing and fire hazards.

OLAF’s role in operation Ludus II focused mainly on supporting checks of customs documentation as well as data analysis. The operation ran between October 2021 and January 2022.

OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä said: ‘’This was the second edition of Europol’s operation Ludus, and the second time OLAF supported it. I am glad we could do so. Fake toys do not only damage legitimate businesses, they can also put children’s health and safety at risk. OLAF’s work helped protect our kids – that is certainly a good achievement’’.

More information can be found in Europol’s press release.

Details

Publication date
25 March 2022
Author
European Anti-Fraud Office
News type
OLAF news article