Police have apprehended four individuals linked to a sophisticated crime syndicate responsible for stealing six cryptocurrency ATMs and committing numerous burglaries at collectible card shops across Melbourne since January. The group allegedly focused on three card stores located in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring, with further ATM thefts reported from businesses in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, and Vermont.
Following investigations, law enforcement executed search warrants in areas including Reservoir and Coburg North, resulting in the discovery of around $50,000 worth of collectible trading cards, such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh, along with five stolen firearms, numerous car keys, ammunition, and a pill press. The primary suspects are a 37-year-old from Reservoir and a 32-year-old from Epping, both facing multiple burglary charges. The 37-year-old has been remanded for court appearance, while investigations continue for the other suspects.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson praised community vigilance and collaboration with industry partners for aiding the operation, emphasising the importance of dismantling this significant network of offenders involved in predatory thefts targeting the trading card community.