Real-Life Team Rocket Caught Stealing $50K in Pokemon Cards and Crypto ATMs!

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In a genuine case, a group that mimicked the fictional criminal organization ‘Team Rocket‘ from the Pokémon series was apprehended on charges of swindling more than $50,000 worth of Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering trading cards as well as six cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Crimes related to Pokémon persistently affect cities globally, with no apparent exception, not even Melbourne, Australia.

Based on the police report, it appears that a substantial group of individuals were accused of stealing large sums of money’s worth of Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic: The Gathering cards since January 2025 by forcibly entering game shops.

As a fervent enthusiast, I was part of the buzz when reports emerged about a group allegedly making off with no less than six cryptocurrency ATMs. This daring move sparked an extensive investigation by law enforcement, leading them to an astonishing discovery reminiscent of Aladdin’s cave: a trove filled with goods ranging from firearms and car keys to the previously mentioned cards.

Police warn Pokemon gang connected to “crime syndicate”

According to a report from Coin Telegraph, authorities have taken into custody four individuals in relation to a series of crimes. One of these individuals has been formally accused of 14 instances of breaking into commercial cryptocurrency ATMs and video game stores.

Another individual faced charges for five business break-ins, three instances of auto theft, operating without a valid driver’s license, and illegally holding a restricted firearm.

In the meantime, the other two individuals were freed on bail as more investigations continue, but officials suspect that this situation might be only a small part of a larger problem.

Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson stated that this particular group is connected to a broader criminal network, and expressed gratitude towards the enthusiastic community of trading card collectors for their assistance.

Law enforcement authorities have broken up an organized criminal group, accused of conducting a string of business break-ins aimed at crypto automated teller machines (ATMs) and valuable collector cards, throughout the northwestern region of Melbourne.

— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) February 16, 2025

He stated that this police action was well-structured and well-timed, and expressed gratitude towards the watchful eyes of the trading card community and the essential assistance provided by our industry allies. Together, we managed to take down a substantial group of wrongdoers.

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As a follower, I can share that the authorities have pinpointed those who were involved in selling stolen items, albeit on a smaller scale, and crucially, they’ve uncovered Middle Eastern Organized Crime Syndicates who are using the apprehended individuals as part of their operations. This is what Watkinson clarified.

The detective also pointed out that the key culprits had been captured, yet issued a chilling message to other criminal groups active within Australia.

Each time you’re apprehended, we get a step nearer to breaking down your operation and its associates. We aim to seize your illegal assets and bring you to justice. Your days of evading consequences are numbered!

It’s not just this particular group that is suspected of criminal activities involving Pokémon cards. In fact, last December, it was revealed that a Japanese organized crime group was linked to the illicit trading of Pokémon cards as part of a money laundering scheme.

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2025-02-18 23:48