What Happened

A resident of Spresiano (near Venice) received a parcel containing a chess set ordered from the Chinese marketplace Temu. Upon unpacking, a live scorpion approximately 6 cm long was found inside the box; the man claims the package was hermetically sealed and that delivery took more than two weeks. According to Corriere della Sera, the owner, named Davide, crushed the creature and is now planning to contact the company and possibly the police.

"At first I didn't notice anything. I opened the box, checked the condition of the chess pieces, and suddenly saw something moving. Only later did I realise what it was. The scorpion didn't sting me – pure luck."

— Davide, resident of Spresiano

Temu's Position

The editorial team reached out to Temu for comment. The company provided an official response:

"At Temu, we uphold the highest standards in data protection, labour practices, and product quality control, and we ensure transparency in our relationships with users and partners. Temu reviewed footage from every stage of the order processing for the package referenced in the article, as well as X-ray scan results taken prior to shipment, and found no indication of the presence of a living creature. The courier delivered the package sealed, and it remained closed until the consumer opened it. Temu is in contact with the customer regarding this matter."

— Official statement from Temu

The company also states that all sellers on the platform are required to meet strict safety requirements, and product quality is continuously monitored. Any violations, Temu asserts, are identified immediately.

Why This Matters

At first glance, this may seem like a headline curiosity. But the incident has practical implications: it highlights vulnerabilities in global supply chains and raises questions about oversight of goods entering EU domestic markets. If a live arthropod can survive a two-week shipping journey, it is a signal both for customs authorities and for platforms responsible for product quality and safety.

Regulatory Context

The incident comes against the backdrop of a formal European Commission investigation into Temu under the Digital Services Act (DSA), launched in July 2025. The EU executive body believes the platform is not doing enough to prevent the sale of dangerous or illegal goods within the bloc; if violations are confirmed, Temu could face a fine of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.

How This Could Have Happened (Briefly and Without Panic)

Entomologists and logistics experts explain that small arthropods can survive extended periods without food or water, particularly in the snug crevices of packaging materials. Possible scenarios include: introduction during packing at the warehouse, concealment within one of the product's components, or inadequate inspection prior to shipment. This case illustrates that quality control at individual stages of the supply chain may be insufficient.

What This Means for Consumers and for Ukraine

For the average buyer — a reminder of basic caution: inspect parcels, especially those from distant markets, document any packaging damage, and photograph unusual contents. For regulators and platforms — an argument in favour of strengthening oversight procedures and seller transparency. Ukraine, where the use of international marketplaces is growing, should also take note: improving customs procedures, coordinating with European counterparts, and enhancing consumer awareness.

Conclusion

The Spresiano incident is more than a quirky story for social media. It is yet another piece in a mosaic of evidence pointing to systemic problems in the oversight of global platforms. The question now is follow-through: whether these signals will translate into concrete action — from fines to new inspection procedures — and how quickly this will improve safety for ordinary consumers.