In a statement on February 17, Victoria Police alleged that a “significant criminal network” was behind a string of commercial thefts, including the theft of six cryptocurrency ATMs and tens of thousands of dollars worth of collectible cards since mid-January.
The investigation led authorities to a stash of stolen items, which included firearms, 100 car keys, a pill press, and various power tools.
Among the stolen cards were Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, and other collectible items. Detectives believe the group used stolen vehicles to carry out their crimes.
Four men have been arrested in connection with the operation. One of them has been charged with multiple offenses, including 14 counts of stealing cryptocurrency ATMs and breaking into commercial gaming stores, handling stolen goods, and illegally possessing a stockpile of prohibited weapons. He is set to appear in court on May 2.
Another suspect faces five counts of commercial theft, three counts of stealing motor vehicles, unlicensed driving, and possession of prohibited weapons. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 21.
According to Australian police, two other men have been released pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson from the Northwest Metro Crime Squad stated that authorities had apprehended the main offenders and suspected the group could be linked to a larger criminal network.
“We have also identified lower-level offenders supplying stolen goods, and more importantly, the organized crime groups in the Middle East who are orchestrating these operations,” he said.
