Pokémon cards used by criminals for money laundering

Criminal organizations are increasingly using valuable Pokémon cards as a method for money laundering. Due to rising values on the secondary market, individual cards can now sell for tens of thousands of kronor.

Tamara Fuentes, a spokesperson for Police Region West, stated that large quantities of cards have been found during recent investigations and that theft rings are targeting these items. The unregulated nature of online buying and selling platforms allows criminals to conduct private transactions without receipts. Additionally, authorities have intercepted Pokémon cards being transported across borders.

While thefts have been reported in France and Denmark, significant incidents occurred in Sweden last year, where cards worth over one million kronor were stolen from stores in Varberg and Torslanda. Police are urging collectors to remain vigilant, particularly when engaging in cash transactions.