(MENAFN) An Australian man has been formally charged after authorities accused him of stealing numerous Labubu dolls valued at approximately A$9000 ($5,800, £4,400).

The dolls were seized by Victoria Police during a raid at a Melbourne property on Tuesday. Among the 43 dolls recovered, some were rare, limited-edition figures priced at up to A$500 each.

The police report indicates that the dolls were taken from a shopping center in a series of four robberies that occurred since July.

The Labubu dolls, created by Chinese company Pop Mart, feature an elf-like creature with a plush body and a vinyl face.

The character has pointed ears and a mischievous smile revealing nine teeth. These dolls have gained widespread popularity worldwide, leading to long lines outside stores and significant profits for the company.

In a press release titled "These Labubu are not for you you," Victoria Police confirmed that the 40-year-old man faces multiple charges, including four counts of burglary and two counts of theft.

He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in May next year.

Since their launch in 2019, Labubu dolls have played a crucial role in helping Pop Mart expand into a major global retailer, with the company now operating over 2,000 vending machines and stores worldwide.

MENAFN22102025000045017167ID1110232023