Thieves targeting high-value Pokemon cards as Japanese media franchise turns 30
The Straits Times
For some, the surge in prices has yanked the joy from what was a casual hobby. Read more at straitstimes.com.
NEW YORK – What began as a quiet meet-up of Pokemon enthusiasts at a US store ended with an armed robbery in which masked men held the group at gunpoint to steal more than US$100,000 (S$126,000) in trading cards.
The January heist in New York was the latest in a string of thefts targeting collectors of Pokemon, the Japanese media franchise that marks its 30th anniversary on Feb 27.
Pokemon cards, bearing “little monsters” that attract children as well as adult superfans, have soared in value in recent years.
US influencer Logan Paul set a new world record in February by banking US$16.5 million with his sale of a rare Pikachu card – arguably the most iconic Pokemon character.
But high prices have attracted criminals keen to cash in.
Pokemon cards “are high value in a small footprint, demand is broad and consistent, and the resale ecosystem is large”, said Mr Nick Jarman, founder and chief executive of the Certified Trading Card Association.
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