Hi there. It is known that there are scalpers in the Pokemon TCG scene. These guys are looking to buy low and sell high. Why gamble with stocks and cryptos when collectibles such as Pokemon cards can generate big returns? A lot of cards as of late increase in market price by at least 100% (double). You can look at some card prices at TCGPlayer (USA based), Cardmarket or Pricecharting.
One example is the promo card of Mew ex from the special set 151. In January 2024, the price was at around 6 USD (ungraded). As of April 2026, the price is around 81 USD. This is around a x13.5 multiplier over 2 years.
Sealed products such as the Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box from 2023 have gone up in price. In May 2023, the price was around 45 USD. In April 2026, the price is at 303 USD.
Buying and holding Pokemon cards and products is a profitable strategy as the market price goes up fast in a few years.
Some of these scalpers and investors take a bit too far with bulk buys. There are a few that go a bit extreme with stealing. This post covers some card store thefts.
Card Store Thefts in USA
Thieves carve hole through drywall to steal Pokémon cards from OC shop (Anaheim)
This Thief Uses Axe To Break In And Steal Cards
Armed Robbery For Pokemon Cards With Innocent Customers
This particular case makes me sick. One guy breaks in the cases and steals stuff. A second skinny guy has a gun (maybe loaded) while a third guy not shown blocks the door. Daylight robbery.
Pikachu would not approve.
3 men accused of stealing $10K worth of Pokémon cards arrested in Florida
This one is where the robbers get caught.
Pokemon Cards Stolen In UK
Youtuber Max Does Pokemon does a video where he shares the aftermath of his store being robbed. This one was very recent as the uploaded video was from April 14, 2026.
Youtuber PokeDean got his home robbed where his Pokemon collection got stolen. This was on February 15, 2026.
Then on April 20, 2026, PokeDean gets his card store robbed.
Card Store Thefts In Canada
In my home country of Canada, there are a few card store thefts as well.
Notes
Pokemon's motto is Gotta Catch 'Em All. Some people take it way too far. They think is gotta steal them all. Pokemon card stores have been become targets just like jewelry stores.
With Pokemon cards and other collectibles going up in value, there will be resellers who wish to profit off of rising prices. There will also be resellers and scalpers who will take extreme measures including stealing stuff.
I do like the Pokemon TCG as an occasional player and occasional collector but I do think the Pokemon TCG bubble has kind of popped. A minority greedy group of people has ruined things. Some people could blame Logan Paul for his influence.
Thank you for reading.