Pavel Illich Kuzik, whose alleged dabbling in the black market for plastic bricks has been under investigation since February, was arrested last week.

Sgt Pete Simpson said the supposed toy brick dealer stole several expensive LEGO sets and tried to sell them on through an online marketplace - but wound up caught in a police sting.

Criminals are said to be flocking to the LEGO trade due to high demand and the difficulty in tracing the kids’ construction kits.

When he was apprehended, Mr Kuzik was also subject of a number of outstanding warrants for other alleged crimes.

He is being held at the Multnomah County Jail on $46,234 bail.