Detectives are seeking additional time to strengthen their case against Daniel Cleghorn and Brandon Hart, the alleged leaders of an organised crime syndicate implicated in the theft of $50,000 worth of collectible trading cards. The pair appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court following their charges in February related to multiple commercial burglaries.
Authorities assert that Cleghorn and Hart were key members of a group responsible for stealing six cryptocurrency ATMs and raiding three collectible card shops throughout Melbourne. Reports indicate that stolen vehicles were employed in these criminal activities.
In a series of raids, police uncovered a significant stash of collectible cards, including popular brands such as Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA, valued at approximately $50,000. The operation also yielded five firearms, roughly 100 car keys believed to be stolen, a pill press, and various power tools, leading police to describe the discovery as an “Aladdin’s cave of items.” The market for rare Pokémon cards can be exceptionally high, exemplified by YouTuber Logan Paul, who purchased a 1998 Pikachu card for a record-breaking $US5.275 million in 2021.
During today’s proceedings, a six-week adjournment was granted as investigators continue to compile evidence. The prosecutor outlined that there were 24 separate incidents involved, necessitating a considerable amount of documentation; currently, 88 statements and seven emergency calls remain to be processed.
Cleghorn faces a total of 14 charges, including multiple counts of burglary and possession of illegal firearms, while Hart has been charged with five counts of burglary and various other offences, including motor vehicle theft and drug possession. Two additional suspects from Reservoir were also detained but have since been released as investigations proceed.
Cleghorn will be free on bail, while Hart will remain in custody at the Melbourne Remand Centre, with their next court date set for June 13.