Crypto ATM Thieves Nabbed: $50K Cards, Guns Seized

Police in Melbourne have successfully dismantled a crime syndicate believed to be behind a series of burglaries targeting crypto ATMs and collectible card stores. Detectives from North West Metro Regional Crime Squad made four arrests during the past week, targeting criminal activities that affected various locations throughout Melbourne's northwestern districts.

The organized gang has stolen cryptocurrency ATMs while also targeting multiple collectible card stores through burglary activities since the beginning of January. Businesses in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, Vermont, and Bentleigh became targets when the ATMs were stolen. The criminal group allegedly conducted attacks against three collector card stores that operated in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring.

During the investigation, authorities collected many stolen items, including trading cards worth about $50,000, which included Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, NBA, and Magic the Gathering. The raided locations also revealed stolen firearms and missing car keys among the stolen items.

In December 2024, Australian authorities created a special task force to investigate cryptocurrency anti-money laundering violations, with AUSTRAC leading the task force that focuses its operations on crypto ATM illicit activities.

Police executed warrants to search multiple locations within the Melbourne area at Reservoir and Coburg North, as well as Greensborough and South Morang. Four suspects were apprehended, with two main offenders consisting of a 37-year-old Reservoir resident and a 32-year-old Epping resident.

A 37-year-old male offender faces several criminal charges, including burglary with firearm possession, and will appear before the court on May 2. Formal court proceedings await the 32-year-old defendant on February 21 due to his charges of burglary together with theft and drug possession.

Two suspects, including a 33-year-old and a 46-year-old, were arrested for investigation but received release ahead of the investigation outcome. The authorities ask people to contact Crime Stoppers with any details regarding drug or firearm trafficking activities.

Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson praised the achievements of the operation during his remarks, acknowledging the valuable contributions of trading card enthusiasts along with their industry partners. He emphasized the ongoing focus on dismantling organized crime syndicates operating across Melbourne.