Vancouver – Vancouver Police arrest a man accused of robbing people of high-value Pokémon cards.
Since March 23, Vancouver Police have responded to five incidents in which victims met with a man to sell Pokémon cards, usually through Facebook Marketplace, a seemingly straightforward transaction gone wrong. Some of the cards can be worth thousands of dollars.
“The suspect would arrange to meet sellers in a public place and, instead of buying the cards, would allegedly use bear spray on the victims, steal the cards, and run off,” said VPD Staff Sergeant Ryan Campbell.
On March 27, Vancouver Police communicated with the suspect online and arranged to sell him Pokémon cards. The suspect was arrested when he showed up.
The investigation is ongoing.
VPD major crime investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-2541.
“If you are planning on buying, selling, or trading items with someone you don’t know, use our Safe Exchange Location right outside the front door of our headquarters at 2120 Cambie Street,” said Constable Darren Wong, “It is well-lit and we have monitored security cameras.”
