French authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into claims that second-hand marketplace Vinted is being used to traffic children, after social media users flagged listings offering toys and low-value items at exorbitant prices with descriptions matching the age and size of children.The Nanterre public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that a preliminary investigation has been opened, with the case being handled by a unit specializing in crimes against minors. The investigation follows a viral TikTok video that has received over 112,000 likes, drawing attention to a listing for a Harry Potter figurine that is priced at €30,000 and described as “13 years old, 1.58 million”.
Screenshot from Vinted
France’s high commissioner for childhood, Sarah L’Harry, said on Tuesday that she had referred the suspicious accounts to prosecutors, saying on X: “Predators are organising. We will hunt them down tirelessly.” Frankfurt police said they were also investigating claims ”disputing any threat or criminal activity,” despite ”strong indications” that such posts were fake.
Listing and Feedback
Screenshots shared widely on TikTok, Another offered a Hello Kitty plush for €30,000 with “152 cm” and “12 years” in the description, while a separate listing for a ballerina figurine included the disturbing phrase: “The best figurine, she can hold if you use objects like a hard stick or a wet object for her age”.
Screenshot of questionable listing
Users interpreted the details – age, height and weight – as coded signals for child trafficking, comparing the incident to the debunked “Wayfairgate” conspiracy theory of 2020.In a case that added to the confusion, a 17-year-old French boy admitted to posting a fake listing for a “7-year-old girl” for €12,000, and within 20 minutes told the investigative outlet that he was trying to “trap a pedo” after watching the viral video. The outlet, which initially reported the listing as part of its investigation, updated its story after confirming the teen’s account.Fact-checking organizations including Mimicama and Snopes have urged caution, saying there is no evidence linking the listing to child trafficking.
Vinted’s response
Vinted said it had “thoroughly investigated the lists currently being shared online and have found no credible case linking them to child trafficking activity”. The company said that age references in the listings include the expected age range for the toys, areas used in all product categories, and high prices that may reflect genuine collector value, provocation, or negotiation tactics.“We are rapidly removing (listings) and taking action, including banning accounts,” the company said, adding that it is cooperating with authorities. Vinted also said it has seen an increase in abusive language directed at sellers and members creating fake listings to “catch” suspected wrongdoers, which amounts to harassment and interferes with moderation.