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France Launches Probe Into Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish

By  |  November 5, 2025

French authorities have opened an investigation into online retail platforms Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish over allegations that their marketplaces allowed minors to access pornographic or violent material, according to Reuters. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed Tuesday that the probe follows a complaint filed by France’s consumer watchdog, the DGCCRF, and has been referred to the National Office for Minors.

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    The investigation centers on the suspected dissemination of “violent, pornographic, or degrading messages accessible to minors,” a charge that could carry penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of €75,000 ($87,465) for individuals involved. According to Reuters, Shein and AliExpress also face separate scrutiny for allegedly sharing images or representations of minors of a pornographic nature, offenses punishable by up to five years in prison.

    The development comes just as China-based Shein prepares to open its first permanent store in Paris’s BHV department store. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure warned that a nationwide ban on Shein could follow after the consumer watchdog reported discovering child-like sex dolls available on its platform. In response, Shein’s spokesperson for France, Quentin Ruffat, told RMC radio that the company would fully cooperate with the authorities, including providing names of vendors and buyers linked to the offending products. Ruffat later told BFM TV that the dolls had been listed since October 16 and confirmed, “We are in the process of sacking all the offending vendors from the platform.”

    Related: Shein Warns of Higher Costs for French Shoppers Amid EU Fee Proposal

    Shein has since removed the dolls from its website, imposing a full ban on sex dolls and suspending its “adult products” section entirely, per Reuters.

    Other companies named in the investigation have also taken action. AliExpress told Reuters that it had removed similar listings and would penalize sellers violating its policies. Temu, meanwhile, said that while the accusations concern minors’ access to some products, it is not under investigation for child pornography. A Temu spokesperson emphasized that the platform prohibits the sale of child-like sex dolls and that none are available on its site.

    Source: Reuters