Overview of a Disturbing Trend
- In Japan, some criminals are purchasing Pokémon cards with cash and reselling them abroad to disguise the origins of their funds.
- Pokémon cards are increasingly being exploited for money laundering due to their compact size and high resale value.
- Notable sales in 2023, such as a Pikachu card fetching over $300,000, highlight the lucrative nature of these collectibles.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has seen a surge in collectible value, leading to alarming reports of its use in money laundering schemes. With the secondary market for rare cards exploding, certain editions have garnered staggering prices, attracting the attention of criminal organizations seeking a way to mask the origins of their illicit finances.
The rise in prices is fueled by a sense of nostalgia among collectors, driving demand for both vintage and newer Pokémon cards. Surprisingly, even recently released cards like Pikachu EX have sold for thousands of dollars, though their value can be volatile. Nevertheless, acquiring a highly sought-after card can yield significant profits, which has not gone unnoticed by those involved in criminal activities.
According to Shūkan Gendai, a Japanese news source, a former leader of a criminal organization revealed that hordes of criminals are now investing stolen money into Pokémon cards. By purchasing cards with cash and re-selling them outside Japan, these individuals create the appearance of legitimate income—claiming their profits derive from fortuitous pulls rather than illegal sources. This process allows them to convert cash to bank deposits, enabling seemingly innocent transactions that would otherwise raise alarms if directly tied to stolen money. This isn’t a new phenomenon, as similar money laundering tactics were previously observed involving digital currencies in the gaming realm, such as Fortnite V-bucks back in 2019.
The Attractiveness of Pokémon Cards for Money Launderers
Pokémon cards have become a popular vehicle for money laundering because of their portability, ease of concealment, and, crucially, their explosive market value. Criminals are drawn to items that not only hold significant worth but can also appreciate over time. For example, the famous Pikachu card that sold for $300,000 in 2023 showcases the extraordinary potential for profits. While the most sought-after cards, particularly holographic variants, may pose detection risks due to their weight, savvy criminals are now using strategies like weighing packs to maximize their chances of identifying valuable cards to launder their funds.
The intertwining of criminal activity with the Pokémon card market is not unexpected. The growing values of these collectibles have already led to illicit conduct; for instance, earlier this year, a Charizard card valued at $39,000 was stolen but later recovered by the police. As the desirability and prices of Pokémon cards continue to soar, it is inevitable that some individuals will seek to exploit these products through illegal channels.