Dozens of screenshots and videos are circulating on social media showing suspicious ads on Vinted that are suspected to potentially cover cases of child trafficking. Several of these posts have become viral by sharing an identical pattern: exorbitant prices of at least four figures and puzzling descriptions detailing heights, specific ages, or alarming phrases like "small and healthy plush toy".
Amidst the uproar, the media outlet Europe 1 has confirmed that the French police are already investigating the case. Authorities have immediately reported these posts to PHAROS, the national center for reporting illegal content on the internet, to clarify the background of these ads.
This is not the first time that similar cases have been reported in online commerce. In 2020, the platform Wayfair was embroiled in controversy over ads for furniture at exorbitant prices bearing female first names; however, after several investigations, it was determined that the accusations were unfounded. Something similar happened on Etsy, where the sale of photos of pizzas at astronomical prices raised suspicions and triggered an internal investigation. Although no crime was uncovered, the platform decided to remove the ads due to their lack of reliability.
Vinted is a well-known second-hand platform that allows the buying and selling of clothing, footwear, furniture, electronics, among other products. In Spain, it has established itself as one of the leading apps in the fashion sector, facilitating commercial transactions at a European level with countries like France, Belgium, or the Netherlands.
How much truth is there behind the issue?
Although the ads may be striking due to their descriptions and exorbitant prices, there is no conclusive evidence of a child trafficking network on Vinted. Nevertheless, fact-checking platforms urge users to report these posts.
It is unlikely, as detailed by Mimikama, an Austrian website dedicated to fact-checking, that "criminal organizations would post an ad on a large second-hand platform, because it would be extremely risky." However, experts warn that these digital services "can be misused to initiate contacts, commit fraud, or communicate covertly".