International authorities seized more than 19 million counterfeit toys worth about €79 million during law enforcement operation LUDUS III. The operation was coordinated by Europol and ran between October 2022 and the end of February 2023 when the demand for toys was at its peak.
Catherine Van Reeth, TIE’s Director General, said, “We can only applaud this action, which stopped an impressive number of unsafe toys from getting into children’s hands. We have strict toy safety rules in the EU, and enforcement of these strict rules is essential. The Ludus operations send a strong signal to counterfeiters and unscrupulous traders who endanger our children and ruin the reputation of respected toy brands. TIE and its members will continue to offer full support for this kind of action.”
Europol organized the operation with the support of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and the World Customs Organization.
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More information:
Europol’s operational memo
