Laval police arrest 10 suspects in violent Pokémon card robberies
Buyers and sellers using Facebook Marketplace have been targeted since January 2025; 11 of the 30 incidents involved pepper spray attacks.
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Laval police have arrested 10 young men between the ages of 16 and 18 in connection with a surge in violent robberies tied to Pokémon trading card sales.
Since January 2025, Laval police recorded 30 incidents linked to the sale of Pokémon cards, with 11 occurring since March 2026. The suspects contacted victims through Facebook Marketplace to arrange meetings for card or laptop sales. Once victims arrived, the encounters turned violent—suspects allegedly forced victims to hand over property before fleeing without paying.
Seven of the incidents involved pepper spray attacks. Police executed 13 search warrants to gather evidence for these cases and related MacBook robberies.
Between June 9 and June 11, the 10 suspects were arrested. Some were released pending court appearances; others remain in custody. They face charges including robbery, assault, and possession of property obtained through crime.
Laval police are urging residents buying or selling online to verify account information (creation dates, photos, reviews, follower counts); keep records by saving screenshots; meet in well-lit public locations with surveillance cameras, such as Laval's designated safe transaction zone at 2911 Boulevard Chomedey; bring a trusted companion; and report suspicious activity or violence to authorities immediately.