How a Pokemon collector’s counterfeit scheme backfired with legal consequences
The Zarude Card Scam Incident
An ambitious Pokemon collector’s attempt to game a promotional contest resulted in criminal charges when he fabricated entries for a rare Zarude trading card. The Japanese snack company Akagi Nyugyo had partnered with The Pokemon Company for a limited-time Garigari popsicle promotion where customers could win the exclusive card through legitimate purchases.
Authorities apprehended a 43-year-old man from Akita Prefecture for submitting 25 counterfeit popsicle sticks to claim multiple Zarude cards illegally. The Trading Card Game collectible, part of the Sword & Shield series, was only available through authentic promotional channels.
This incident highlights the extreme measures some collectors will take to obtain rare Pokemon merchandise. The fraudulent submissions stood out to company officials when they noticed identical handwriting and submission patterns across multiple entries.
The Pokemon Company / Garigari-kunThe limited-edition Zarude card was exclusively available through the Garigari snack promotion in Japan.
Pokemon TCG Market Boom
The Pokemon trading card market has experienced unprecedented growth since 2020, with rare cards appreciating faster than traditional investments. The Zarude promotion occurred during peak collector demand, causing authentic popsicle sticks to sell for $300+ on secondary markets before the card’s official release.
Graded versions of the Zarude promo card quickly reached $400-800 on eBay, demonstrating how promotional items can become valuable collectibles. This market frenzy creates strong incentives for fraudulent activity, requiring collectors to implement authentication measures when purchasing rare items.
Legal Consequences and Warnings
Akagi Nyugyo’s fraud detection systems identified the suspicious submissions, leading to the perpetrator’s arrest in November 2020. Company representatives warned consumers that counterfeit sticks were circulating, potentially containing forged winning claims for the valuable Zarude card.
“Around the beginning of November 2020, a total of 25 envelopes containing fake sticks [were sent] to Akagi Nyugyo,” investigators reported. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the legal risks of attempting to manipulate collectible promotions.
PokeGuardian / The Pokemon CompanyPokeGuardian shows off the rare Zarude promo.
Collectors should be wary of purchasing used promotional items, as authentication becomes increasingly difficult. The Pokemon Company has implemented additional verification measures for future promotions to prevent similar scams.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Sword & Shield fan arrested over Zarude card scam How a Pokemon collector's counterfeit scheme backfired with legal consequences