Culture news Pokémon cards: even the yakuza are involved in receiving stolen goods to survive
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The yakuza are entering the Pokémon card receiving business, illustrating a worrying rise in thefts of these valuable collectibles. A member of a prominent Japanese crime family has been arrested for card theft. This incident reveals how even high-ranking criminals are interested in these assets and the importance of improving the security of the collections.
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In Tokyo, a prominent yakuza, Keita Saito, 39 years old and lieutenant of the Takinogawa family affiliated with the powerful Sumiyoshi-kai syndicate, was arrested for stealing 25 trading cards. This case illustrates how even high-ranking criminals can turn to collectibles. The arrest follows a daring burglary in Ogano, Japan, where items worth ¥252,000 JPY (approximately €1,520) were stolen, including valuable Pokémon cards. Hidefumi Kuboshita, a 56-year-old man with no known criminal history, was also arrested on suspicion of complicity.
The new target for thieves: watch your cards!
The increasing value of Pokémon cards attracts not only collectors, but also criminals. Thefts of these collectible cards are increasing, not only in Japan, but also internationally. Recently, more than 35,000 cards were stolen in the United States, highlighting the global scale of this phenomenon. The fact that a member of a yakuza family was involved in such a theft shows that collectibles are now high-value targets for organized crime. Indeed, the cards of the Pokémon series are not limited only to a child's pastime or recreation. You will be surprised to know that the most expensive card is a Pikachu, worth $5,275,000!
Pikachu Illustrator (1998)
More than a piece of cardboard and a picture
This incident highlights the need for gaming and collecting communities to take the security of their collection seriously. Video game professionals are observing with concern the increase in criminal activities surrounding collectible goods. It is crucial to recognize the real value of these objects and strengthen surveillance and protection around them to avoid such incidents in the future. Today, many people try to make their fortune by opening packs of cards of all kinds, just as it would be possible to obtain a large sum by playing at the casino. It is therefore essential to protect your property, because you may not know it, but the wealth may be found in your cupboards…
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