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Financial police strike: Labubu store in Vienna suspected of fraud!
Financial police check pop-up store in Vienna's inner city because of suspected tax evasion and counterfeiting.
Financial police strike: Labubu store in Vienna suspected of fraud!
In Vienna, the hype surrounding the popular “Labubu” monster plush figures from China is causing a stir. The pop-up store in the city center has been targeted by the financial police, who carried out a controversial inspection following a tip-off from the market office. During this inspection, significant violations of labor market regulations were discovered. In particular, it was noticeable that the employee was registered as part-time employed but did not have a valid employment permit. Only one bizarre companion to the plush toy - the counterfeit variants known as "Lafufus" - have also been discovered and are suspected of having been sold to customers. Kurier reports that ...
The store’s financial situation is particularly critical. According to the financial police, there is an enforceable tax arrears of almost 3,300 euros. In addition, around 5,000 euros in fines must be paid due to several criminal complaints. The company also faces further financial difficulties in the future, with up to 15,000 euros in additional financial penalties expected as a result of ongoing tax investigations.
Sales and missing records
The management of the pop-up store was unable to provide any working time records during the inspection, and the cash register was also not registered via FinanzOnline. Particularly explosive: The monthly turnover in August 2025 was estimated at 43,000 euros, but this was not reported to the tax office. Such processes are seen by experts as a serious warning signal, as they often indicate fraudulent activities in online trading. ORF analyzes the situation...
The existence of such pop-up stores raises the question of how well control over international online trade and the associated tax obligations is guaranteed. The case is reminiscent of a ruling by the Federal Court of Justice that dealt with sales tax evasion through international online trading. A seller used networks of letterbox companies and thereby fraudulently circumvented the tax authorities. The idea of making big profits by selling plush toys can quickly turn into legal difficulties. Details about the judgment can be found here....
Conclusion
The financial police and the responsible finance minister, Markus Marterbauer, emphasize that tax fraud cannot be tolerated. After this inspection, not only is the future of the company in jeopardy, but customers also have to ask themselves whether they have actually purchased genuine “Labubu” plush figures or whether they may have fallen for counterfeits. In times when online trading is booming, particularly vigilant supervision is required to protect consumer trust.