Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin, humorously recounted using valuable “Pokémon” cards to compensate for prostitutes during what he termed a “Zen” trip to Japan. This lighthearted anecdote surfaced just months before he was implicated in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, as per a recent report.
While exploring Osaka, Mangione reportedly joked with a friend about attempting to settle a debt with a mob boss using “pornstar Pokémon” cards instead of the local yen, according to a detailed narrative of his Asian adventures shared by The New York Times.
The popular “Pokémon” series was a recurring theme during his travels, the report noted. Mangione also engaged in conversations about it and other video games with an American expatriate who relocated to Thailand to pursue a career in professional soccer.
This composite image shows a collection of “Pokémon” cards alongside Luigi Mangione attending a court hearing for his murder charges regarding the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The hearing took place at the Manhattan Supreme Court on September 16, 2025, in New York City. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images, Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images)
Mangione’s journey included stops in Thailand, Japan, and India. In Mumbai, he met with an author who had documented the story of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. Additionally, he lost a brawl to seven “ladyboys” in Bangkok and embarked on a spiritual retreat in the serene mountain village of Tenkawa in Japan.
Upon his return to the U.S. in July, Mangione initially resided in San Francisco, California. However, by December, he had relocated to a hostel in New York City, allegedly plotting to attack Thompson as he left a shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/UnitedHealth Group via AP)
On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, surveillance video shows a hooded gunman approach Thompson from behind and open fire. The married father of two died from his injuries.
Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, allegedly in possession of the murder weapon and a manifesto critical of the health insurance industry.
Luigi Mangione, suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on Dec. 19, 2024, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Mangione faces a slew of charges in New York, Pennsylvania and at the federal level, including interstate stalking, the use of a firearm to commit a murder and second-degree murder.
He could face the death penalty on the top federal charge and up to life in prison in New York if convicted.
