What’s Behind the Viral Child Trafficking Claims on Vinted?
Poinews.com – Online marketplace Vinted, founded in Lithuania, has sparked controversy after viral posts on TikTok and Reddit suggested children were being sold as products. Users in France and Germany noticed odd listings, such as a remote control priced at €20,000 and a toy far exceeding its value. These items included age details in their descriptions, fueling speculation about child trafficking.
Allegations and Viral Evidence
The claims gained traction through videos and unverified screenshots showing unusual listings. One French creator shared a TikTok video with over 900,000 likes, highlighting a €30,000 plush toy listing. In the clip, the user stated,
“And once again, the buyer has to collect it in person. It’s happening right in front of us.”
They claimed traffickers used coded product details to indicate a child’s gender and weight.
Investigating the Listings
The Cube, Euronews’ fact-checking team, examined the alleged evidence and found no active listings matching the viral claims. During their own search, three peculiar entries were discovered. One described a “Blue stuffed animal” with a €1,575 price tag and descriptors like “2yo” and “Blonde.” These were removed within 10 minutes. Sellers were contacted but did not respond.
Public and Official Responses
A French journalist reached out to a seller about a €20,000 air conditioning remote control. The seller initially identified it as a “girl” and offered to switch to encrypted messaging. The next day, 20 Minutes revealed the listing was created by a 17-year-old student, who posted it for fun and to profit from paedophile concerns.
Authorities in France and Germany are responding to the surge in reports. Germany’s Hessian State Criminal Police Office (HLKA) noted they are still evaluating public submissions but found no confirmed links to child or human trafficking. French police acknowledged many reported listings seem fabricated, while past investigations on classified ads failed to find substantial proof.
Broader Implications
Since June 23, reports tied to the allegations have risen nationwide. France’s Interior Ministry confirmed that prosecutors in Nanterre have opened a preliminary inquiry. The country’s High Commissioner for Childhood, Sarah El Haïry, referred the case to Arcom, the digital regulator. She emphasized,
“You can never be too careful: I would rather adhere to a strict precautionary principle than see even one child left at the mercy of their tormentors.”
Expert Analysis
Cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt told The Cube that while any item could technically be listed on an online platform, running a child trafficking operation on Vinted would be “logistically” difficult. This is because mainstream marketplaces have stronger moderation than more anonymous services.
