Members of an organised crime syndicate who targeted collectible stores across Melbourne and stole tens of thousands of dollars in trading cards have been arrested.
Four people were arrested over the last week, following burglaries at three collectible card stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds and Eumemmerring.
It’s alleged the group were also involved in stealing six cryptocurrency ATMs in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee and Vermont, using stolen cars to commit the robberies.
Police executed search warrants in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough and South Morang, uncovering more than $50,000 in goods including:
- 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
- A pill press machine
- Alleged stolen power tools
The crime syndicate is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of trading cards across multiple robberies. (ABC News: Jasmine Hines)
Criminal syndicate dismantled
A 37-year-old man from Reservoir was arrested and charged with several offences including 14 counts of burglary
A 32-year-old man from Epping was charged over five burglaries and three vehicles thefts.
Both men were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later this year.
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Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said Victoria Police believed it had arrested the leaders of the criminal syndicate.
“We are confident that we have apprehended the main offenders who were sharing their criminal trade craft with lesser offenders,” Inspector Watkinson said.
“Police have also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods and more importantly the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Syndicates tasking the apprehended offenders.”
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 Crime Stoppers.com.au
