Bing Dwen Dwen profiteers punished

Beijing police have punished three people for reselling Bing Dwen Dwen, the Beijing Winter Olympics mascot, at exorbitant prices.

Police in Beijing's Dongchen district said on Tuesday the mascot, a chubby panda dressed in a full-body ice shell, has become popular during the ongoing Winter Olympics, reflecting the public's enthusiasm and support for the Games.

But some individuals used this opportunity to resell products adorned with the mascot at high prices to profiteer, which has disrupted the normal purchase order, the police said, adding such cases were quickly cracked down on.

The mascot has become a big star since the Winter Olympics opened on Friday, with its cute appearance winning the hearts of many. Related gifts and souvenirs, such as keychains and dolls, have been sold out at licensed flagship stores.

The police alerted the public to consume rationally and not to buy from scalpers at high prices to avoid financial losses. The sale of licensed merchandise will continue at least until the end of June and relevant departments have already been coordinated to boost production.

"There will be a continuous supply of Bing Dwen Dwen to the market," police added.