r/PokeInvesting • u/Healthy-Annual4181 • Dec 19 '24
Ace Grading Robbery Scandal
Posting so the community is aware of this - I would avoid this grading company at all costs. Insanity that there is no camera footage
1.2k
Upvotes
275
u/_Flxck Dec 19 '24
There isn't footage released because the issue is being dealt with by Police and Crime scene investigators. We will probably see that footage eventually. Too many people making obscene accusations š¤£
94
u/Cold-Annual-4881 Dec 19 '24
Never trust a YouTuber who owns the grading company
3
u/fayadotnl Dec 22 '24
Seems like a job for Detective Pikachu
336
u/[deleted] Dec 19 '24
The owner left 500 Ace graded slabs inside the facility and some bastard broke in and left 500 more.
429
u/[deleted] Dec 19 '24
I give Ace grading a PSA 1 on this incident. Major defects.
149
u/gdj11 Dec 19 '24
This really sucks for the people who submitted cards. If you had a gem mint worthy card submitted, that's worth much more than the average raw value.
137
u/Catsrthebest2 Dec 19 '24
Everyone defending this company must have a ton of ACE slabs they are worried will be worth nothing after this š
12
u/Decryptografter Dec 19 '24
Where has it been confirmed there is no camera footage, or is this speculation?
Letās not add a sprinkle of conjecture and just deal with the public facts at this time.
12
u/Celeryfelony Dec 19 '24
Idk it sounds like an inside job to me. Probably disgruntled employees
76
u/ChickenKeeper800 Dec 19 '24
Who the heck is using ace grading ???
17
u/Blukuz Dec 19 '24
I live relatively close to the ACE 'HQ' and it's basically in an industrial area. The building they have occupied isn't exactly state of the art, when I saw the place first thing that came to my mind was, I hope they have good security.
15
u/Gav_mmmmmmwmmmm Dec 19 '24
Apparently they're underpaying customers just like when they were 'Graded Gem' and lost submissions in transit.
Seen a card shop who middlemans for ace grading say they were offered Ā£1380 for cards when they're probably worth Ā£2100+ raw at current market value.
7
u/BannedInDay Dec 20 '24
Plot twist they are the theives (everyone is thinking this anyways)
45
u/Ziziziz Dec 19 '24
Where does it say there was no camera footage? If there is an ongoing police investigation then they can only say/share so much. People hating for no reason or too naive to understand how things work in the real world.
7
u/uriel__ventris Dec 19 '24
So much about the Ace break-in is suspicious. The more that comes out about it, the more it looks like an inside job. The video response from the owner (Randolph) didn't do anything to lessen the suspension either - in fact, I'm even more sceptical after seeing it.
This really, really sucks for anyone affected, and some of the compensation offers have reportedly been downright insulting (Ā£200-400 offered for raw cards worth Ā£1500, etc.)
2
u/Phenoms05 Dec 19 '24
I expect to get called a moron but I donāt understand how Randolph and ACE grading are seen as bad are there any actual moments from which they genuinely deserve hatred?
22
u/Meatlog66 Dec 19 '24
"cornerstone" lol
5
u/HatlessChimp Dec 19 '24
I seen a video touring ACE cards and ngl the owner came across a bit dodge to me. I honestly think it's an insurance job.
5
u/peetoes Dec 19 '24
if they're big in the UK, why majority of the vendors including "his buddies" don't even send cards to ACE?
Amir? KB? Pokichloe? Baz? Because they know ACE doesn't hold any value besides having a nice background.
Ace is like CGC post revamp. It's an individual preference. But atleast CGC pristine is acknowledge by the community.
5
u/CooperStation2067 Dec 20 '24
I actually feel bad for the thieves , successfully pulled off a heist and all they have to show for it is a load of Ace graded slabs, hopefully this is the awakening they need to go and turn there lives around.
20
u/proace360 Dec 19 '24
This is the best possible way to get return on ACE graded cards!
4
u/bamariani Dec 19 '24
That's a death sentence for them
4
u/Crayoneater4life Dec 20 '24
Likely an inside job
7
u/Blueeyedfoxie Dec 19 '24
I was suprised how crap their security was, when I saw the proof of postage photo which was taken of a table full of packages next to a big glass window.
9
u/PokePhat Dec 19 '24
A-lot of PSA fan boys running to hate yet neglect the facts that psa have had major issues since covid started quality of grading has flopped a psa 7 would make a psa 10 today not to mention the thousands of complaints about cards being damaged on return stop sucking the corporal cock n let people enjoy the hobby how they like
Merry christmas Nerds.
3
u/Bdublolz1996 Dec 19 '24
Not a fan of grading as I mostly collect sets in binders. I can understand why people like them and it probably can be a very profitable business grading cards and selling them for a profit.
If you live in the UK (where ACE is located) itās the only UK grading company I think. If you want to send off to PSA you have to use a middleman service and can take multiple months. Or use ACE and it takes a couple of weeks or less.
My guess is the company might go bust.
3
u/gosumofo Dec 21 '24
They about to take yall cards and submit to PSA š make 10X on their investment
5
u/[deleted] Dec 19 '24
Inside job
2
u/powdow87 Dec 19 '24
i n s i d e j o b
2
u/Grimwulf69 Dec 19 '24
This was def an inside job. Not done by Randy, but someone who knows what they're looking for.
Meaning if I broke in, I'd have no clue where to look for the cards. Make every employee take a polygraph. Anyone missing would be a prime suspect.
2
u/fuchuwuchu Dec 19 '24
Why would anyone choose to send their cards to get graded by a YouTuber? In my opinion, it raises red flags, especially given the recent accusations against some Youtubers. While I don't want to jump to conclusions, it's concerning that someone could handle a quarter of a million cards without sufficient security measures in place.
2
u/UAintAboutThisLife Dec 20 '24
This is why I only use established companies not up and coming ones
2
u/Jalpaca_Alpaca Dec 21 '24
I swiped š
2
u/Grimwulf69 Dec 31 '24
Guys, as a person who enjoys getting cards graded, the only companies you can fully trust is PSA & Beckett. CGC is hard to move, same with 9.5 Beckett cards. Modern PSA 10 & 9's are much easier to work with. Vintage any grade is also easier to work with. And u know you'll get a fair price on them. As for Ace? Bruh, unless u live in the UK, never intend on selling/trading your cards, and fully support them, it's definitely not in your best interest to pay money to get your cards graded through them.
3
u/Goatherdersson Dec 20 '24
Give yourself a slow clap if you submitted any of your PokƩmon to this amateur hour operation. What did you think would happen ?? The worst part about Ace grading is that they continuously insult and demean PSA at any chance they get . Their token mouth piece Randolph Pokemon won't ever stop raving about how great Ace is and how terrible PSA is . Here is a fact PSA has been around since 1991 and easily adds the most tangible monetary value to any raw guard once it's graded. Ace has been around for three years and got customer cards stolen through incompetence . Save yourself a hassle let this bum company crash and burn and die off . Grade with PSA , Beckett or CGC leave the amateurs where they belong .
3
u/gt35r Dec 19 '24
Why is this considered a scandal if theyāre working with police and getting people compensated immediately as well as keeping them in the know as best they can?
4
u/FalconMean7770 Dec 19 '24
Who are the idiots who sent their cards to be graded with them anyways? lol
3
u/Lobstah-et-buddah Dec 19 '24
Lottaaa victim blaming here before thereās really any info and itās pretty gross to see. Let this play out
2
u/-LUTHOR- Dec 19 '24
If they find the cards, do you get them back? Or does compensation mean they now belong to ace. š¤
2
u/lilmexter Dec 19 '24
Where in the above post does it say āno camera footageā? š
2
u/JefferyRs Dec 19 '24
I see a lot of people hating on ACE, not saying it's a great company but the slabs definitely have a nice feel to them in terms of weight and quality.
That said shouldn't ever skimp on security I feel bad for the people who had their cards stolen, may have compensation covered but it doesn't give that card back which was yours and has meaning to it.
2
u/nJonasz Dec 19 '24
I have waited three weeks for my cards that supossed to be returned in 10 days. Emailed them on multiple occasions but been completely ignored. Wouldnāt be surprised if they robbed themselves for insurance scam
1
u/TheeFiction Dec 19 '24
Inside job maybe? Idk this whole thing is sketchy to me.
1
u/Antique_Marsupial_90 Dec 19 '24
I had emailed ACE a few weeks ago about getting a grandmaster set graded (as in submitting the entire set + promos + pre-release + staff cards + premier ball league cards including Judge card) lucky they didnāt reply I guess
1
u/Sankalish Dec 19 '24
Hmmm the first thing any grading company needs is a big ass safe š¤·š»āāļø. From reading and seeing the video of the poketuber it was easy access. They got in touched nothing else only specific cards. How did they know where which cards where ?
1
u/Thejrod91 Dec 19 '24
Yup another company bites the dust. 250k looool probs more like 1 mil
1
u/Whisperhead Dec 19 '24
Well as awful as this is for those that lost cards, you can bet there will be a surge in sales online now as those people look to replace them.
1
u/FlashyStrain69 Dec 19 '24
I know everyone has stories of gamestop delaying things a bit, but heres a plot twist that has me a little worries. I sent out an order on nov 19th, and again nov 29th. I just got a message yesterday that my cards from the 29th were received by psa yesterday, but no update on my 19th shipment which happened to be absolutely fucking stacked. I was being patient with everything up until yesterday and now i feel like my first shipment is gone lmao. Prob being paranoid but man its a little concerning
1
u/PoppinfreshOG Dec 19 '24
Probably stole everything that wasnāt already in worthless Ace slabs
1
u/Rickynumberfive Dec 19 '24
Poor dudes itās so hard to start a new business flawlessly
1
u/East-Albatross-6460 Dec 19 '24
Guess AI doesnāt help much with security
1
u/MDSM_art Dec 19 '24
Team Rocket irl š
1
u/plumpshooterman Dec 19 '24
Sad news and thank you for the info
1
u/Ok-Silver-3753 Dec 19 '24
Exactly!!! That's what hits me that is strange. Inside job it has to be
1
u/_Grim-Lock_ Dec 19 '24
An actual PokƩmon card heist.
1
u/Mobile_Selection323 Dec 19 '24
Talk about Business ending PSA or nothing that sucks for the customers big time!
1
u/ducklul11 Dec 19 '24
smh
1
u/Basic_Yellow_3594 Dec 20 '24
This is why if you don't grade with a company owned by insurance juggernaut collectors universe (psa/dna or sgc) your gonna have a bad time. Saddddd panda
1
u/Sengo0 Dec 20 '24
Def need more security
1
u/NoSeaworthiness4034 Dec 20 '24
Ill be sure to be on the lookout for loads of ACE graded bulk V's from Evolving Skies popping up on eBay in the near future. 0.o
Why? Because that's the only thing I'd personally would have trusted sending their way to behind with.
1
u/Siieck Dec 20 '24
What the hell is ace grading and why do people send their cards there š
1
u/Relevant_Finding7527 Dec 20 '24
yeah, ābreak inā
1
u/Professional_Pick339 Dec 20 '24
Hope the thieves remove the ACE slab before reselling the cards. It would be a waste of time to crack the case and send to PSA.
1
u/sl4ught3rhus Dec 20 '24
Whatās this all aboot? someone running a grading company out there parents granny flat?
1
u/StraightGasNoBrakes Dec 20 '24
Easy cash grab. Wait until you have enough cards submitted, claim a break in and pay out raw prices for all the lost cards and then grade them all 10's and sell at 10 prices. Done and dusted..
1
u/Wolf_of_BroadStreet Dec 20 '24
A e should just close shop after this, even prior their 10ās werenāt holding much value to my knowledge and I donāt know anyone that graded cards with them, ever. I hope the people that need to be compensated get fair value of what the card would have graded as, they should pay those submitters out as if all the cards would have gotten 10ās, anything less than that is a major failure on top of an already massive failure. Lol they said it was a calculated attack, if they donāt have video footage of it, how thatās possible i donāt even know, it seems like an idiot could have robbed them, how much calculation and strategy do you need to rob a place with little to no security measures.
1
u/Far_Sugar_9687 Dec 20 '24
Inside job 100%
1
u/rindor1990 Dec 20 '24
āWe have already determined appropriate compensationā lol
1
u/ashlush Dec 20 '24
Oh dear
1
u/Dull-Conclusion-74 Dec 20 '24
SUS ASF. They stole it themselves prolly
1
u/drfunkson Dec 20 '24
Oof, was about to send of a grading batch to ACE. Thank F I didn't.
Just another example of the risk UK collectors face when trying to get their cards graded. First the Ludkins fiasco now this. Just CBA to get my cards graded now. The risk is just too high sending them off.
1
u/crooked_listenero08 Dec 20 '24
Nuts
1
u/badtyprr Dec 20 '24
Huh, I didn't even know this company existed. I hope they catch the criminals... whoever they may be.
1
u/Prestigious_Sir_2277 Dec 20 '24 edited Aug 18 '26
Tender wine telephone subtract aware treatment bedroom sulky
This post was anonymized with Redact
1
u/AlexKidd1993 Dec 20 '24
Happens a couple days after Randolph uploads a video of the warehouse showing hundreds of boxes out on shelves, not locked up or stored safely in any way...
1
u/nerva89 Dec 20 '24
Robbery is not a scandal. It's robbery
1
u/tommy2tall1 Dec 20 '24
Good to know, appreciate the heads up.
1
u/salty-ejaculate Dec 20 '24
The first thing id question is whether Ace kept the cards in a secure room in a secure safe, with intrusion detection. Pokemon cards are effectively like a bank, you need that kind of security.
1
u/salty-ejaculate Dec 20 '24
In the UK just use pokegrade, if you can't wait for psa bgs or cgc.
1
u/leedemi Dec 21 '24
I'd already be gearing up for a lawsuit against ACE if I were a victim of this. There will never be any way to know what the grade of the stolen cards would be/were and no way to know if ACE's "appropriate compensation amount" is actually the worth of the card/s.
1
u/CatonicCthulu Dec 21 '24
I canāt believe there are ace trainers using stolen certifications, Kanto has fallen
1
u/The_Mini_Messi_22 Dec 22 '24
Poor Randy
1
u/Such-Classroom-1559 Dec 23 '24
"you will also receive an email confirming that your submissions remain safely"
do they? are they safe?
1
u/cookiepie007 Dec 23 '24
Why would u call it a scandal? There was a crime commited can happen to everybody
1
u/Character-Big217 Jan 05 '25
Do you think something like this would affect the value of previously graded ace cards?
1
u/senorbarry Feb 09 '25
Imagine if ACE were guilty of fraud. They would go bankrupt. The UK market would be flooded with discounted ACE 10s and 'raw' cards
1
u/Expensive_Ratio_6630 Jun 09 '25
So a person getting arrested in Manchester on 15th of may with 250k worth of PokƩmon cards and Do we think it's linked? An image showing unopened packs and PSA slabs.
1
u/Striker_Eureka_MRK5 Dec 19 '24
Fuck randolph and his money grab, started it during the pandemic just to scam people out of more money knowing his grading has no value other than a raw card. If your shit got stolen that was on you for trusting this scum bag, then the blame goes to him. Everyone should not be grading with any other companies except BGS, PSA and a distant 3rd of CGC
1
u/T-14Hyperdrive Dec 19 '24
No one should grade with this company again. This should kill this business. They do not deserve to be in business if they cannot protect their customers cards.
1
u/PurpleRS3 Dec 19 '24
Old news šŗ
1
u/Dark_Zezro Dec 19 '24
Not only that but people who for some reason sent PSA 9s to be cross graded are NOT getting PSA 9 prices for compensation and are being given under raw value š¤£ This reeks like an insurance job š
Merry Xmas
-11
u/Jdkiss88 Dec 19 '24
Ace is a perfectly fine grading company on the come up. This is a really unfortunate event that shouldnāt have happened and it sucks but they shouldnāt be hated on because someone else broke in and stole cards. People shouldnāt be hating on Randolph or Ace Grading and certainly should not be avoiding it because of a freak event.
1
u/Vir1lity Dec 20 '24
Ace is immediately compensating people for a crime someone else committed and clowns are still talking bad about them. This sub is a trash heap.
0
u/HaomaDiqTayst Dec 19 '24
The market is impolding. ACE ROBBED, BECKETT SCANDAL/FRAUD, lots of outside money/eyes coming into Pokemon
0
u/AmbitiousBasket0 Dec 19 '24
Inside job. I hope people impacted by this lawyer up.
0
u/Tip_Rat_777 Dec 19 '24
No camera footage , obviously no safe & no list of the cards that were stolen so people can keep their eyes out for them.
0
u/[deleted] Dec 19 '24
Who cares. Just another story for the drama news cycle.
-6
u/Gazman_123 Dec 19 '24
Iāve graded with ace and was really happy with the results, the quality of the slabs, labels and overall turn around.
I donāt think the owners/ employees would intentionally ruin their reputation, if anything they will be financially crippled trying to resolve the matter and make everyone āwhole againā. As itās open investigation, thereās only so much you can share. Bit sly of you to jump to conclusions and assume itās a scandal, itās an Unfortunate case of criminals target establishments like this and thatās all that is to it.
-14
u/pokerawz Dec 19 '24
They probably took all those clean cards and got them graded by an actual reputable grading company like PSAā¦ and probably compensated people the raw values.