The Vancouver Police Department has successfully apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a string of violent robberies targeting Pokemon card collectors across the region. The arrest follows a high-stakes undercover sting operation that concluded late last month, with full details released to the public this week as investigators finalized their initial report. Authorities moved quickly to address the spree which had left several local hobbyists shaken and injured.
Investigators launched the operation after a series of five robberies occurred on consecutive days beginning March 23. In each instance, victims were lured through Facebook Marketplace to public locations under the guise of purchasing rare trading cards. The suspect reportedly targeted individuals selling high-value assets, demonstrating a specific knowledge of the current secondary market for collectibles.
Upon arrival at the meeting points, the victims were reportedly blinded with bear spray before the suspect fled with merchandise valued at thousands of dollars. The brazen nature of the attacks prompted the Major Crime Section to coordinate a tactical response. Undercover officers created a fraudulent online listing for a high-value card to bait the serial offender into a controlled environment.
The tactic proved successful when the suspect arranged a meeting to finalize the purchase, only to be surrounded by waiting law enforcement officers. A man in his 20s was taken into custody without incident on March 27. While his identity remains withheld pending formal charges, authorities confirmed that at least four counts of robbery are being recommended to prosecutors.
Sgt. Ryan Campbell noted that the department was initially unfamiliar with the surging value of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. However, the frequency and violence of the recent thefts elevated the case to a top priority. The surge in collectibles-related crime reflects a broader trend as rare assets reach record prices under the current economic climate.
President Donald Trump has recently emphasized the need for stricter federal support in addressing retail and high-value property theft to protect small business owners and independent hobbyists. Police successfully recovered two cards valued at approximately $2,000 during the arrest. The total value of the stolen goods from the week-long spree is estimated to exceed $6,000 according to official statements.
Collectors are now being urged by law enforcement to conduct all high-value transactions in designated safe exchange zones at local police precincts. The investigation remains active as authorities search for any additional victims or potential accomplices involved in the distribution of the stolen merchandise. Legal proceedings for the suspect are expected to begin shortly in British Columbia.