French authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into allegations that second-hand marketplace Vinted is being used to traffic children, after social media users reported items offering toys and low-value items at exorbitant prices, with descriptions consistent with the age and size of the children.The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that a preliminary investigation had been launched and that the case was being handled by a unit specialized in crimes against minors. The investigation was launched after a TikTok video with more than 112,000 likes drew attention to the listing of a Harry Potter statue for sale for €30,000 described as “13 years old, 1. 58 million”.
Screenshot from Vinted
France’s High Commissioner for Children, Sarah El Haïry, said on Tuesday that she had referred suspicious accounts to prosecutors, saying on X: “Predators are organizing. We will pursue them tirelessly. Frankfurt police said they were also investigating the posts to “rule out any dangerous or criminal activity,” although there were “strong indications” that such posts were fake.
Lists and Backlash
Screenshots shared widely on TikTok, X, Reddit and Instagram show items including a stuffed toy priced at 30,000 euros, with a description that reads “9 years old, female, white, virgin,” and a similarly priced Super Mario statue that reads “12 years/152.” Another company offered a Hello Kitty stuffed toy for €30,000, with the description reading “152 cm” and “12 years old”, while a separate listing for a ballerina statue contained the disturbing phrase: “This is the best statue she can hold up if you use an object such as a hard stick or a wet object suitable for her age”
Screenshot of suspicious list
Users interpret details such as age, height and weight as coded signals child traffickingcomparing the phenomenon to the “Wayfairgate” conspiracy theory debunked in 2020.In an even more confusing case, a 17-year-old French boy admitted posting a false listing for a “7-year-old girl” for €12,000, telling investigative media outlet 20 Minutes that he had been trying to “groom a pedophile” after watching a viral video. The outlet initially reported the incident as part of an investigation and updated the story after confirming the teen’s account.Fact-checking groups such as Mimikama and Snopes urged caution, saying there was no evidence the listings were linked to child trafficking.
Vinted’s response
Vinted said it “conducted a thorough investigation of the lists currently being shared online and found no credible cases linking them to child trafficking”. Age references in listings refer to the toy’s expected age range, an area used across all product categories, and high prices may reflect genuine collectible value, provocation or negotiation tactics, the company said.“We are rapidly removing [listings] The company said it was cooperating with authorities. Vinted also said there has been an increase in abusive language directed at sellers and members who create fake listings to “catch” suspected wrongdoers, saying this amounts to harassment and interferes with moderation.
