State police in São Paulo raided businesses in the city center and seized tens of thousands of toys lacking required approval markings. Nine people are under investigation.
Police in São Paulo seized 52,500 counterfeit toys from shops and premises in the city center during the “Safe Toy” operation. The raid took place on October 7, several days before Brazil’s Children’s Day.
According to the São Paulo state Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP), 50,700 items were found in one building in the historic center. Five people identified themselves as responsible for the goods and are under investigation. Another 1,700 toys were seized in the Canindé district, where four more people are being investigated.
The seized items included figures bearing well-known brands, miniatures, plush toys, building sets, plastic goods and children’s games. Officers from the state police investigations division carried out the inspections after brand representatives reported suspected counterfeiting.
Police gave particular attention to soft, elastic squishy toys. SSP-SP said some may contain potentially carcinogenic substances. The department also said the products lacked a required federal approval seal and could cause burns or, if swallowed, block the intestine or airways.
Authorities said the seized goods will undergo forensic examination. The potential hazards cited by the department concern specific toys found during the operation and are attributed to SSP-SP.