Image: Victoria Police
Members of an organised crime syndicate targeting collectible stores across Melbourne have been arrested for stealing thousands of dollars worth of collectible cards and cryptocurrency ATMs.
The group targeted stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring, and used stolen cars during their crimes.
Four individuals were apprehended over the past week in connection with burglaries, they were also linked to the theft of six cryptocurrency ATMs in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, and Vermont.
Police executed search warrants in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough, and South Morang, uncovering over $50,000 of stolen goods.
Items seized included collectible trading cards such as Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, and NBA cards, along with five firearms, ammunition, and approximately 100 stolen car keys.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson confirmed the arrest of key syndicate members.
A 37-year-old man from Reservoir faces 14 burglary charges, while a 32-year-old man from Epping is charged with five burglaries and three vehicle thefts.
Both have been remanded in custody and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later this year.
Two other men, aged 33 and 46, from Reservoir, have been released pending further investigation.
Authorities believe the arrested individuals were the leaders of the operation.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said: “We are confident that we have apprehended the main offenders who were sharing their criminal trade craft with lesser offenders.”
Anyone with information on drug or firearm trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online.
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