French authorities are investigating potential child trafficking activities on the popular secondhand shopping platform, Vinted. Concerned users raised alarms about suspicious listings containing what seemed like ‘sexually coded language’. These listings, shared widely on social media, include items like toys being sold at exorbitant prices with descriptions hinting at characteristics of young children.
One alarming listing featured a teddy bear priced at €30,000 (£25,900), described not as a toy but as a “nine-year-old girl”, sparking online speculation about its intent. Another instance showcased a stuffed rabbit priced over €1,000 (£861), with details such as “three years old”, “91cm”, “13kg”, and labeled as an “obedient girl”, disturbing social media users.
The French police have initiated a preliminary investigation to identify the creators of these listings and determine if they are part of an organized hoax, misuse of the platform, or a more sinister activity. While no confirmation of the validity of the claims has been made, the investigation aims to ensure the platform’s integrity and safety.
Similar suspicious listings have surfaced online, indicating a pattern of unusually high prices and descriptions seemingly referring to children’s physical attributes or personalities instead of the items themselves. These screenshots have triggered widespread concern on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into potential links to criminal activities.
Authorities, including France’s High Commissioner for Childhood, Sarah El Hairy, have been alerted to the situation, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential threats against children and ensuring platforms do not become grounds for exploitation. Reports have been forwarded to PHAROS, the French government’s platform for reporting illegal online content, to further investigate these concerning listings.
Vinted, the platform in question, has refuted claims of child trafficking in response to the controversy. They assert that after a thorough review of the shared listings, no credible evidence of child trafficking has been found. The company emphasized its commitment to promptly removing any fraudulent listings and taking action against those responsible, including banning accounts.
Despite the company’s denial of involvement in child trafficking, the investigations continue to address the alarming listings and safeguard the platform’s users. The situation has drawn parallels to past online conspiracy theories, reminding users to be vigilant and cautious about misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
