As a seasoned collector of rare Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering cards, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions upon hearing about this recent string of golf course thefts in Toronto. On one hand, it’s disheartening to know that my hobby has been used as a means for criminal activity. On the other, I find myself oddly amused by the audacity of these thieves, attempting to swipe not just any cards, but high-value golf carts and construction tools too!
Authorities have found a collection of valuable Pokémon and Magic the Gathering cards, estimated at $100,000, following a string of golf course burglaries in the Toronto region.
In August 2024, authorities started probing incidents of burglaries and robberies following reports that golf courses in the areas of York, Durham, Waterloo, and Simcoe County were being hit.
Approximately two months past, on October 16, the police carried out seven search warrants across different homes and self-storage facilities. In these locations, they discovered a wealth of items that had been illegally taken.
In the list of swiped goods, there were 18 golf carts, valuable Pokemon figurines, Magic: The Gathering card collection estimated at around $100,000, building supplies, golf equipment, and illegal substances including cannabis and cocaine.
Historically, dealers have employed Pokemon and other collectible trading cards as a type of unofficial tender in the underground economy associated with illicit drug transactions.
The investigation led to several accusations being brought against four people. Among them was Andrew Skibinsky, aged 36, who previously faced a permanent firearm prohibition due to unconnected offenses, and now also faces charges for Illegally Possessing a Weapon While Under Restriction.
The following individuals have also been charged: Damien Russell (aged 41) and William Johnston (aged 48), both residents of Keswick, as well as Austin Parnell (aged 19) from Vaughan, who was specifically charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
The police assert that every person involved is accountable for the series of thefts, amounting to more than a million dollars. So far, investigations have led to the discovery of roughly half of this sum at the point of release.
It’s not the first instance where Canadian Pokémon card thefts have caused a stir on the internet. Just this month, a daring $40,000 heist was foiled when store staff delayed the thieves in their shop by continuing to talk until the police showed up.
I’ve noticed an uptick in incidents involving the theft of valuable Pokémon cards lately. These little pieces of pop culture can fetch quite a sum based on their scarcity, with some selling for as much as thousands of dollars. Just recently, in April, a rare Charizard card valued at $7,000 was snatched at knifepoint by four individuals who found themselves facing charges afterwards.
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2024-10-23 01:18