Australian authorities have arrested four people linked to a series of burglaries targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and collectible card stores across Melbourne’s northwest.
In a February 17 statement, officers seized around 50,000 AUD ($31,800) worth of trading cards and several firearms in the process.
According to Victoria Police’s North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, the group is accused of breaking into ATMs in Brunswick, Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Werribee, and Vermont.
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Authorities also believe they raided trading card stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring since mid-January, stealing cards from brands like Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA.
Search warrants were carried out in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough, and South Morang, leading to the seizure of five firearms, ammunition, around 100 stolen car keys, and a pill press machine.
Two men are facing multiple charges. A 32-year-old from Epping faces charges related to commercial burglary, vehicle theft, and methamphetamine possession. Meanwhile, a 37-year-old from Reservoir has been charged with 14 counts of burglary and firearm offenses.
Police say the suspects may be connected to a larger Middle Eastern crime syndicate that directed their activities. Two other individuals, aged 33 and 46, were questioned and later released as the investigation continues.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson credited the arrests to cooperation between law enforcement, the trading card community, and business owners.
Meanwhile, an international investigation exposed a $100 million crypto laundering network. How? Read the full story.
