A prominent collector is offering a substantial reward to recover a cache of high-end baseball cards stolen during a recent convention in Dallas.
The theft occurred on Sunday at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center, where a display case filled with valuable baseball cards was stolen.
Ashish Jai, the owner of the stolen items, announced on Monday that he is willing to pay $70,000 for the return of his cards or for information leading to their recovery.
Jai has released video footage showing his team being distracted by individuals who appeared to be showing something on their cell phones.
Additionally, Jai posted grainy photos of the men suspected of executing what he believes was a premeditated theft.
“The man seen taking the case from under the table in the middle of the square of tables had been stacking chairs near the booth for over an hour, and we thought he worked there,” Jai wrote on social media.
“These guys had been scoping us out all day after footage review, and even went thru a process of changing clothes.”
The stolen case contained cards valued at approximately $2 million, including six Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps rookie cards worth over $400,000.
Among them was one in near-perfect condition (PSA 6 out of 10) priced at $175,000.
Jai also lost a Tom Seaver 1967 Topps rookie card worth $90,000, a Willie Mays 1952 Topps card valued at $40,000, and a Shoeless Joe Jackson card worth $60,000.
“It was the one with all the meat,” Jai told industry insider Darren Rovell of the stolen case. “They knew which one to take.”
Jai has filed a report with the Allen Police Department, which has confirmed that an investigation is in progress.
The police informed Jai that they will be looking for fingerprints on the chairs used during the theft.
Some social media users have speculated that this could have been an inside-job of sorts … Of course, everything is pure speculation at this point.
What are your thoughts on the wild theft?
While on the topic of sports memorabilia, what’s your favorite collectable that you own?
If you could have anything, what would your dream piece of memorabilia be? … A certain card? Signature? Game-used uniform? … What would it be???