Pokémon cards, laptops the subject of violent Marketplace interactions

Video footage shows a person selling a laptop on Marketplace being sprayed by an assailant. The video was shared by Laval police.

Ten teenage boys, aged between 16 and 18, have been arrested in connection with alleged robberies involving Pokémon cards and other valuables being sold on Marketplace, according to Laval police (SPL).

• READ MORE: Couple charged after $350K of stolen goods for sale on FB Marketplace seized

“This rapidly growing market is now attracting the attention of criminals,” the force states. “The suspects are believed to have contacted the victims via the Marketplace trading platform to arrange the sale of Pokémon cards or MacBooks.”

Though the victims organized to meet the buyers in a public place, police say “at the time of the transaction, the suspects are believed to have used violence to force the victims to hand over the item in question and then flee without paying.”

Since Jan. 1, 2025, the SPL says it has recorded 30 robberies involving Pokémon cards, 11 of which have occurred since March 1, 2026.

“In seven of these cases, acts of violence were involved, including incidents where victims were sprayed with cayenne pepper,” police state. “In total, 13 search warrants were also executed to gather evidence for the prosecution cases, as well as for other cases linked to the spate of MacBook robberies.”

• READ MORE: Used car bought on Marketplace turns out to be worthless for Montreal woman

Of the 10 teens arrested, most were released on bail, subject to conditions, while two remain in custody, police confirm.

They face several charges, including robbery, possession of a weapon with intent to cause harm, assault and possession and trafficking of criminally obtained property.

Staying safe

Laval police is urging the public to take precautions to reduce the risks associated with resale platforms:

• Verify the authenticity of a seller or buyer’s account: Check the account’s creation date, photos posted, peer reviews and the number of followers.
• Be wary of changes to meeting points or intermediaries.
• Keep evidence of the transaction: Take screenshots of the ad, the correspondence and the buyer’s contact details before travelling to the meeting point. Save the URL of the account used by the other party.
• Use a neutral meeting point or public places: Carry out the exchange in a busy, well-lit public place monitored by CCTV. Avoid meeting in parks, on residential streets or in the evening. One example of a neutral meeting point is at 2911 Chomedey Blvd. in Laval.
• Never go to a meeting alone: Go with someone you trust and inform a friend or family member of the time and place.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Arrive before the agreed time, look around and stay alert. Any form of distraction could be a ploy to steal your money or the item you are selling.
• Never disclose your personal details: Avoid sharing your address, social insurance number or bank details.
• Report any act of violence to the police immediately: If you believe you have been the victim of a crime, contact police immediately so an investigation can be launched.

Anyone with information is invited to confidentially contact the Info-Police helpline at 450 662-INFO (4636) or by calling 911.