'9 years, female, white, virgin': Why toys in Europe are being probed for child trafficking

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 for exorbitant prices with descriptions matching children's ages and sizes.The Nanterre public prosecutor's office confirmed on Friday that a preliminary investigation had been opened, with the case being handled by a unit specialising in crimes against minors . The probe comes after a viral TikTok video, which has garnered more than 112,000 likes, drew attention to a listing for a Harry Potter figurine priced at €30,000 with the description "13 years old, 1. 58m". France's High Commissioner for Childhood, Sarah El Haïry, said on Tuesday she had referred suspicious accounts to prosecutors, stating on X: "Predators are getting organised. We will tirelessly hunt them down" . The Frankfurt police said they were also investigating the claims to "rule out any danger or criminal activity," despite "strong indications" such posts were fake.The listings and the backlashScreenshots shared widely on TikTok, X, Reddit and Instagram showed items including a plush toy listed for €30,000 with "9 years, female, white, virgin" in the description, and a Super Mario figurine for the same price with "12 years / 152". 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 of the figurines, she can hold up if you use objects like a hard stick or a wet object for her age" Users interpreted the details – ages, heights and weights – as coded signals for child trafficking, comparing the phenomenon to the debunked "Wayfairgate" conspiracy theory of 2020.In one 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, telling the investigative outlet 20 Minutes he had been trying to "trap pedos" after watching viral videos . The outlet, which had initially reported the listing as part of its investigation, updated its story after confirming the teenager's account.Fact-checking organizations, including Mimikama and Snopes, have urged caution, saying there is no evidence connecting the listings to child trafficking.Vinted's responseVinted said it had "thoroughly investigated the listings currently being shared online and found no credible cases linking them to child trafficking activity". The company said the age references in listings referred to the intended age range for toys, a field used across all product categories, and that high prices could reflect genuine collector value, provocation or negotiation tactics."We are swiftly removing [listings] and taking action on accounts, including bans," the company said, adding that it was cooperating with authorities. Vinted also said it had seen an increase in abusive language directed at sellers and members creating fake listings to "catch" suspected wrongdoers, which it said amounted to harassment and interfered with moderation.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.