Laval police warn of increase in violent Marketplace Pokémon-related crime
Posted June 18, 2026 8:25 am.
Last Updated June 18, 2026 10:58 am.
The rapidly growing market for Pokémon cards has led to a surge in robberies in Laval.
Laval Police (SPAL) have reported the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with multiple incidents, four of which involved the sale of popular Pokémon trading cards.
According to police, the suspects contacted victims through Facebook Marketplace to arrange meetings for the sale of Pokémon cards or laptops. Once the victims arrived, the encounters allegedly turned violent, with suspects forcing them to hand over their property before fleeing without paying.
Since January 2025, Laval police have recorded 30 incidents linked to the sale of Pokémon cards, including 11 since March 2026. Seven of those incidents involved acts of violence in which victims were assaulted with pepper spray. Police also executed 13 search warrants to gather evidence for these cases, as well as for other investigations related to a series of MacBook robberies.
Between June 9 and June 11, Laval police arrested 10 young men between the ages of 16 and 18 in connection with the incidents. Some were released pending future court appearances, while others remain in custody. The suspects face a variety of charges, including robbery, assault, and possession of property obtained through crime.
Laval police are urging residents to take precautions when buying or selling items through online resale platforms.
Safety tips for Marketplace transactions
Police recommend verifying the identity and credibility of buyers and sellers by reviewing account information, including creation dates, photos, reviews, and follower counts. Buyers and sellers should be cautious of last-minute changes to meeting locations or requests to involve third parties.
It is also important to keep records of transactions by saving screenshots of listings, conversations, contact information, and account URLs. Whenever possible, exchanges should take place in well-lit, public locations with surveillance cameras, such as Laval’s designated safe transaction zone at 2911 Boulevard Chomedey.
Police also advise meeting with a trusted companion, informing friends or family of transaction details, staying aware of your surroundings, protecting personal information, and reporting any suspicious activity or acts of violence to authorities immediately.
Anyone who has information to share regarding this type of event is invited to contact SPAL, in complete confidentiality, at Info-Police line 450 662-INFO (4636) or by calling 911.
