Japanese Criminals Are Allegedly Using Pokémon Cards to Launder Money

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As someone who has been following and playing Pokémon since its inception, I must admit that this news about the involvement of the franchise in money laundering activities is both shocking and saddening. It’s a stark reminder that even something as innocent and enjoyable as collecting Pokémon cards can unintentionally become a tool for criminal activity.

Just as Professor Oak noted, the realm of Pokemon brims with extraordinary creatures. Over eight generations, gamers and enthusiasts have been acquainted with a myriad of diverse creatures, settings, and personalities. Today, Pokemon stands among the wealthiest franchises globally, permeating numerous aspects of our everyday lives.

Among all parts, the anime stands out as the most beloved element of the franchise. However, enthusiasts are well aware that there exist video games, live-action films, numerous merchandise, and even a trading card game which ranks among the world’s top trading card games. It appears this particular detail is being employed in an unusual manner.

Indeed, based on an article from Shunkan Gendai Online, it appears that some Japanese criminal elements have been exploiting Pokémon cards for the purpose of money laundering. This fascinating tale is worth sharing, and we invite you to delve deeper into this matter as you continue reading our report!

It’s been reported that due to its high value, the Pokémon Trading Card Game has allegedly been employed by criminal elements for money laundering purposes. A former crime boss revealed to Shunkan Gendai Online that their organization utilized Pokémon cards as a means to transfer illicit funds abroad.

These compact cards, small enough to carry in a wallet, hold significant value, making them convenient for transportation and trading across borders. Remarkably, some exceptionally rare Pokémon cards have been sold for over five million dollars, whereas other cards could be valued at several hundred dollars or even more.

These groups are skilled at identifying high-value playing cards. Frequently, it’s the ones with unique, shimmering foil finishes that command the highest prices. Advanced devices such as metal detectors can identify this foiling from outside the pack, and precision scales can detect the slight weight variation.

In simpler terms, this implies that crooks can purchase numerous gift cards in bulk, identify the high-value ones, and subsequently resell the remaining ones at their original price. By doing so, they effectively convert illicit funds into legal possessions.

It turns out that criminals aren’t only exploiting Pokémon cards for money laundering, but they’re additionally involved in stealing these cards as well. In Tokyo, during the latter part of 2022, there were more instances of Pokémon card thefts recorded than ever before.

The relationship between Pokémon card trading and criminal activity spans a considerable period. Ranging from theft to money laundering, the allure of the game’s widespread popularity has attracted a diverse array of criminals. Given that certain cards are valued more than luxury goods, it’s hardly surprising that organized crime groups have taken an interest in this market. However, it’s not only large-scale crooks who are involved – petty thieves are also capitalizing on the opportunity. Trading cards make an attractive target due to their frequently underestimated worth until after they’ve been stolen.

It’s interesting to note that what was once perceived as just a pastime involving Pokemon cards – be it for gameplay or collection – has a darker side than we initially thought. Nowadays, these seemingly innocent cards have found themselves entangled in some extremely serious criminal activities.

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2024-12-17 19:14