- Australian police have dismantled an organized crime syndicate involved in stealing cryptocurrency ATMs and collectible trading cards
- Four individuals have been arrested, with significant seizures, including AU$50,000 worth of trading cards and multiple stolen firearms
- The syndicate is alleged to have used stolen vehicles to execute their crimes across Melbourne’s northwest
Australian police have arrested four individuals connected to an organized crime syndicate responsible for a series of commercial burglaries targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and collectible card stores in Melbourne’s northwest. The operation led to the recovery of approximately AU$50,000 in trading cards and several stolen firearms, with authorities alledging that the group utilized stolen vehicles to carry out these offenses. While operations targeting crypto ATMs have been known, the theft of actual ATM units is extremely rare.
Targeted Thefts Across Melbourne
The syndicate is accused of stealing six cryptocurrency ATMs from businesses located in northwest Melbourne. They also allegedly burglarized collectible card stores in the same region last month, with detectives believing that the group employed stolen cars to facilitate these crimes.
Raids resulted in the seizure of valuable items alongside the ATM machines, including trading cards from popular franchises such as Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA. Other confiscated items included five stolen firearms, approximately 100 stolen car keys, ammunition, a pill press machine, and stolen power tools.
Arrests Made
Among those arrested were a 37-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, identified as the primary offenders; the former faces 14 counts of burglary related to cryptocurrency ATMs and game stores, possession of a trafficable quantity of firearms, and handling stolen goods. He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
The latter has been charged with five commercial burglaries, three counts of motor vehicle theft, unlicensed driving, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 21. Two other men, aged 33 and 46, were released.
