Australian authorities have charged former NRL player Trent Merrin over the alleged theft of cryptocurrency worth $140,000 (US$91,000), marking one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving a local sports figure and digital assets in recent years.
Detectives arrested the 36-year-old at his Barrack Point home in the Illawarra region on Tuesday morning, following a year-long investigation by the Orana Mid Western Police District.
The inquiry began in November 2024 after a 29-year-old man reported that his cryptocurrency account had been accessed without permission.
According to New South Wales Police, Merrin allegedly “dishonestly obtained a financial advantage by deception” by accessing the man’s account and transferring $140,000 worth of digital assets.
Trent Merrin being arrested at his home in Barrack Point.
Officers from the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad and Lake Illawarra Police District raided Merrin’s residence, seizing several electronic devices for forensic examination.
He was later taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged before being granted conditional bail.
Merrin is scheduled to appear before Port Kembla Local Court on 3 December.
Once celebrated for his performances on the rugby field, Merrin’s name was synonymous with resilience and leadership.
He played more than 250 first-grade games across a 15-year career, representing clubs including St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers, and Leeds Rhinos.
A member of the Dragons’ 2010 NRL premiership-winning squad, Merrin also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and the Australian Kangaroos at the international level.
He retired from professional rugby league in April 2021.
Since retiring, Merrin has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in the cryptocurrency and wellness industries.
His LinkedIn profile describes him as a “dedicated entrepreneur and investor with a passion for crypto, blockchain, and the health and wellness industry,” claiming he has been active in building and backing innovative ventures since 2015.
In January 2023, he founded Freeze Yourself, a cold plunge therapy business targeting the growing wellness market.
Through Merrin Investments, he also operated as an angel investor between 2015 and early 2025.
Merrin’s arrest comes amid a broader national push to curb crypto-linked financial crimes.
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has repeatedly warned that digital assets pose a “high” risk for money laundering and illicit transactions.
In July, AUSTRAC chief Brendan Thomas described the agency’s latest crackdown as “the most ambitious overhaul of Australia’s anti-money laundering laws in a generation.”
Earlier this year, the watchdog launched a compliance review targeting more than 50 cryptocurrency service providers, revoking or suspending 13 of their registrations for non-compliance.
Authorities have also increased oversight of crypto ATMs, which they say have been increasingly used for fraudulent transfers and scams.
Under recent reforms, operators now face stricter licensing rules, with proposed legislation mandating that all digital asset platforms obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence or face penalties of up to 10% of their annual turnover.
The case has reignited debate over how Australia’s growing crypto sector intersects with public figures embracing digital finance.
While the investigation into Merrin’s alleged actions continues, the incident highlights the growing scrutiny of cryptocurrency use — even among those once known for sporting success rather than financial controversy.
Cryptocurrency scams, known as "pig butchering," lure victims into false investments, causing financial ruin and emotional devastation. Victims face lost savings, and some are even forced into scam operations through human trafficking.
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