Japanese Mob Uses Pokemon Cards to Launder Money
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Japanese Mob Uses Pokemon Cards to Launder Money
Japanese Mob Uses Pokemon Cards to Launder Money
The pandemic significantly impacted the collectible card market, particularly Pokemon cards. Their popularity has skyrocketed, leading to unexpected consequences.
A Lucrative Laundering Scheme
Japanese news reports reveal a shocking use for these valuable cards: money laundering. Criminals are converting illicit funds into Pokemon cards due to their portability and ease of resale.
A former high-ranking member of a crime family explained the appeal, stating that Pokemon cards are easily concealed and can be sold internationally, hindering tracking.
Sophisticated Techniques
These criminals aren’t just buying and selling; they’re employing sophisticated methods to identify valuable cards. Metal detectors are used to detect the foil of rare cards, and sensitive weighing devices help determine if unopened packs contain valuable foils.
High-Value Cards Fuel the Scheme
The high value of certain Pokemon cards, like the Pikachu Illustrator card, which sold for $5.7 million, makes them an attractive asset for money laundering. Similarly graded cards are available on eBay.
The ease of concealment, coupled with the high resale value of rare cards, creates a perfect storm for criminal activity. This highlights the unforeseen consequences of the booming collectible card market.
