Australian police have dismantled a criminal network accused of carrying out a string of burglaries across Melbourne, stealing cryptocurrency ATMs and high-value collector cards.
The group allegedly stole six ATMs and tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of trading cards since mid-January, using stolen cars to execute their crimes.
According to an official report published on Monday, Authorities arrested four men linked to the operation, with two facing multiple charges, including burglary, vehicle theft, and firearm offenses.
Police suspect the offenders were acting on behalf of a larger organised crime syndicate.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives discovered what they described as an “Aladdin’s cave” of stolen items across multiple properties in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough, and South Morang.
Among the recovered goods were five firearms, 100 stolen car keys, a pill press machine, ammunition, and various power tools.
The stolen collector cards included Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA cards, collectively valued at approximately 50,000 AUD (£25,900).
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson, from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, confirmed police had identified the masterminds behind the operation.
He said,
“Police have also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods and, more importantly, the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Syndicates tasking the apprehended offenders.”
A 37-year-old man from Reservoir has been charged with 14 counts of burglary, firearm offenses, and handling stolen goods.
He is scheduled to appear in court on 2 May 2025.
Another suspect, a 32-year-old from Epping, faces charges including five commercial burglaries, vehicle theft, and drug possession.
He is due in court on 21 February 2025.
Two additional men, aged 33 and 46, were released pending further investigation.
Australia has seen a rapid rise in cryptocurrency ATMs, with installations increasing 17-fold since 2022.
The country now ranks third globally in the crypto ATM market, with over 1,462 machines in operation, compared to just 67 in mid-2022.
Leading providers include Coinflip (679 ATMs), Localcoin (543), and Cryptolink (98).
Australia is now the third-largest hub for Bitcoin and crypto ATMs, with 1,462 machines nationwide, nearly half of which are operated by Coinflip. (Source: Coin ATM Radar)
Despite the boom, research from TRM Labs highlights concerns over illicit activity.
An estimated 1.2% of crypto ATM transactions have been linked to crime—twice the rate of illicit activity in the broader crypto ecosystem (0.63%).
The recent crime spree targeted businesses in multiple suburbs, including Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, and Vermont.
Collectible card stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring were also burglarised.
Authorities believe the arrested men were working under instruction from larger organised crime syndicates.
Watkinson issued a warning to those attempting to evade justice,
“Paying others to do your dirty work won’t keep you hidden.”
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to trace the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.
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