Hype or Impostor: Vienna "Labubu" Store Under the Scrutiny of the Financial Police
The hype around the monster plush figures "Labubu" from China has long since reached Vienna. The Financial Police at the Office for Fraud Prevention have now targeted a relevant pop-up store in the city center and promptly identified violations of labor market regulations as well as an enforceable tax arrear of nearly 3,300 euros, according to the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. Additionally, there is suspicion that "Lafufus" might actually have been sold.
Labubu or Lafufu? Vienna Store Possibly Selling Counterfeits
The selected pop-up shop has been offering the internet-hyped "Labubus" since this summer - or possibly "Lafufus," the counterfeits that flooded the market immediately after the big sales success. "In this context, there will be further investigations," noted the financial police. The inspection was carried out following a report from the market office.
Over 40,000 Euros in Sales in August - But Not a Cent Reported
An employee, a Pakistani citizen, was registered as marginally employed but did not have a valid employment permit under the Foreign Employment Act (AuslBG). The shop manager and the managing director could not provide records of the employees' working hours. During purchase transactions in the presence of the officers, no receipts were handed to customers. The cash register had not yet been registered with FinanzOnline. A printout of the monthly sales for August 2025 was made. This amounted to approximately 43,000 euros, which had not yet been reported to the tax office, it was stated.
Various Reports and Further Investigations
Several criminal charges were filed with the district administrative authority, resulting in fines totaling around 5,000 euros, according to the financial police. In connection with ongoing tax investigations and further charges due to violations with the cash register, financial penalties of up to 15,000 euros could still be pending. "We cannot afford tolerance towards tax fraud," said Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ). "Regardless of whether it involves large or smaller cases."
(APA/Red)
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