- Published:
- Monday 17 February 2025 at 12:56 am
Police have dismantled an organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in a series of commercial burglaries targeting crypto ATMs and collector cards across Melbourne’s north west.
Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad arrested four people over the last week as part of their investigation into the commercial burglaries.
It’s alleged the group were involved in stealing six cryptocurrency ATMs, as well as committing a recent series of burglaries at collector card stores since mid January.
The ATM’s were stolen from businesses in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee and Vermont.
It will be alleged the group targeted three collectable card stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds and Eumemmerring.
Detectives believe the group have been utilising stolen cars to commit their offending.
The investigation led police to uncovering an Aladdin’s cave of items, including approximately $50,000 worth of collectable trading cards.
Warrants have been executed across Melbourne over the last week in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough and South Morang, leading police to seize the following items:
• Approximately $50,000 worth of collectable trading cards including Pokemon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL and NBA.
• Five alleged stolen firearms
• Approximately 100 alleged stolen car keys
• Ammunition
• Pill press machine
• Stolen power tools
Four people have been arrested in total, which includes the two alleged primary offenders, a 37-year-old man from Reservoir and a 32-year-old man from Epping.
The Reservoir man was charged with 14 counts of burglary of commercial cryptocurrency ATM and commercial games stores, prohibited person possess trafficable quantity of firearms, prohibited person possess firearm and handle stolen goods.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 May.
The 32-year-old Epping man was charged with five commercial burglaries, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, theft, unlicenced driving, possess methamphetamine, drug of dependence and possess prohibited weapon.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 February.
Two other men, a 33-year-old and a 46-year-old both from Reservoir were released pending further investigation.
Anyone with information about drug or firearm trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson:
“This was a highly organised and coordinated police operation, and we thank the vigilance of the affected trading card community and the invaluable support from industry partners – which assisted in the dismantling of a significant network of offenders.
“We are confident that we have apprehended the main offenders who were sharing their criminal trade craft with lesser offenders.
“Police have also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods and more importantly the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Syndicates tasking the apprehended offenders.
“Our focus continues to be on bringing the suppliers to justice, while intensifying efforts on impacting the illicit lifestyles of those involved in organised crime.
“And to the organised familial crime syndicates operating across Melbourne – paying others to do your dirty work won’t keep you hidden. With every arrest we move one step closer to dismantling your enterprise and all those connected to it, seizing your illicit wealth and holding you accountable.
“Your luck will eventually run out!”
Media Unit
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