A high-end trading card store partly owned by NFL legend Tom Brady has become the target of an audacious theft, with nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise stolen from its new Manhattan location.
The Alleged Deception
The incident reportedly took place at the CardVault store in lower Manhattan on Monday, October 20, shortly before noon. According to law enforcement sources, a suspect attempted to purchase a selection of baseball and Pokémon cards valued at $9,710.
When the payment for the high-value items was declined, the individual is then accused of orchestrating a clever ruse. He allegedly tricked the employee operating the cash register into believing the transaction had been successfully processed. Having convinced the staff member, the suspect then walked straight out of the premises with the valuable goods without providing any valid payment.
Brady's Business Venture and Expansion
This particular CardVault outlet had only been open for a few weeks prior to the incident. The store's launch was a notable event, with Tom Brady himself in attendance for its grand opening. The seven-time Super Bowl champion acquired a 50 percent stake in CardVault back in February, entering the lucrative collectables market.
Brady's involvement with the brand extends beyond New York. He was also present for the opening of another CardVault store at the American Dream mall in New Jersey on April 11. The company, with Brady as a prominent co-owner, has also established locations in major cities including Chicago, Boston, Dallas, and on Long Island.
Ongoing Investigation and Brady's Portfolio
The New York Police Department is actively investigating the theft. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward by contacting the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
This event occurs as Tom Brady continues to build a diverse business portfolio nearly three years after retiring from professional football. His current roles are extensive and sometimes controversial; he now works as a co-owner of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders while simultaneously fulfilling a lucrative commentary role with Fox Sports. Further solidifying his international sports interests, Brady is also a co-owner of English football club Birmingham City FC.
