In a tale that reads like something straight out of a video game, Canadian Pokémon collector Emilio Kihien took matters into his own hands after police were unable to assist him in recovering $4,000 worth of stolen trading cards. What followed was a meticulously planned sting operation that saw Kihien and his friends apprehend the alleged thieves, showcasing a level of dedication worthy of any seasoned gamer.
The Heist
The incident began when Kihien listed several highly-graded, officially-encapsulated Pokémon trading cards for sale. During what he believed was a standard transaction at his home in Coquitlam, the buyers presented him with counterfeit bills, snatched the cards, and fled. Kihien, fueled by adrenaline, gave chase, even clinging to the thieves’ getaway car before falling onto the road, sustaining bruises and abrasions.
Despite contacting the police, Kihien claims they were unable to offer substantial assistance in recovering his stolen property. In fact, one officer reportedly suggested he attempt to recover the cards himself. “The police response – they really didn’t seem like they were gonna help me that much,” Kihien told text“>CTV News.
A few days later, a friend of Kihien spotted the stolen cards listed for sale online, complete with the same images Kihien had originally used. “I’m just thinking, you know what, these guys can’t be the most intelligent of people,” he remarked.
Acting swiftly, Kihien and his friends devised a plan to pose as potential buyers. On August 13th, they arranged a meeting at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, where they successfully detained the alleged thieves until police arrived. Reports indicate that one adult and one juvenile were apprehended and may face criminal charges including theft.
Kihien documented the entire operation using smart glasses, providing visual evidence of himself and his friends preventing the suspects from leaving the mall. While their sting operation was successful, law enforcement is cautioning victims of theft against similar actions.
“Vigilantism can only cause problems,” stated Royal Canadian Mounted Police Corporal Mike Kalanj. “No one knows who has weapons. Even as the victim, if you show up and you harm someone, now you’re looking at charges, as well.”
The stolen cards were largely undamaged, although one case was cracked during the altercation. The haul included three 2023 Pokémon Mew EN Special Illustration Rare EX cards (for Blastoise, Venusaur, and Charizard), each graded a PSA 10 – meaning they were deemed to have no flaws whatsoever.
This incident follows another recent Pokémon TCG crime in Britain, where thieves made off with £71,000 ($95,000) worth of stock after their getaway van broke down.
Source: IGN
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