Authorities in Tokyo have apprehended two individuals suspected of swiping roughly 34 million yen (around $213k USD) in Pokémon cards from a delivery vehicle while the driver was momentarily absent. This incident is part of a series of Pokémon card thefts recently reported throughout the country, prompting concerns that these high-value collectibles might be involved in money laundering and other illicit schemes.
According to TBS newsdig, reported on May 25, the suspects—a 26-year-old and a 27-year-old—allegedly set their sights on a van carrying trading cards in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, last December.
One of the suspects was reportedly employed by the logistics firm handling the shipment at the time, and the duo is thought to have accessed confidential operational details. This knowledge may have enabled them to pinpoint the vehicle’s route and schedule as it traveled between retail outlets.
The heist reportedly took place during a standard stop. When the driver stepped away to visit a store, the suspects allegedly unlocked the van and made off with packages containing approximately 300 Pokémon cards. Law enforcement states that both suspects have since confessed to the accusations.
Officials also believe the duo sold some of the stolen cards, netting about 5 million yen (around $34,000 USD) in profits.
This occurrence is far from unique. Nationwide in Japan, there has been a discernible rise in Pokémon card thefts, encompassing smash-and-grab incidents in Osaka and additional specialty shops in Southwest Japan. In earlier cases, suspects have reportedly been tied to so-called “dark part-time job” arrangements, where individuals are hired online for theft operations.