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Four men have been arrested after allegedly attempting to steal thousands of dollars’ worth of Pokémon cards from stores across Melbourne.
The group – aged between 32 and 46 – allegedly stole six cryptocurrency ATMs across the city, as well as committing a string of burglaries at collector card stores since mid-January.
"The investigation led police to uncovering an Aladdin’s cave of items, including approximately AU$50,000 worth of collectable trading cards," Victoria Police said today in a media release.
The group were arrested after searches were carried out across Melbourne last week.
Items seized by police include AU$50,000 (NZ$55,500) worth of trading cards, including Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA; five firearms, 100 car keys; ammunition; a pill press machine; and power tools.
A 37-year-old man from Reservoir is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday on 14 count of burglary, prohibited person possessing a trafficable quantity of firearms, prohibited person possessing a firearm, and handling stolen goods.
A 32-year-old Epping man has been remanded to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with five commercial burglaries, three counts of motor vehicle theft, unlicensed driving, theft, possessing methamphetamine, drug of dependence, and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Two other men – a 33-year-old and a 46-year-old both from Reservoir – were released pending further investigation.
"This was a highly organised and coordinated police operation, and we thank the vigilance of the affected trading card community and the invaluable support from industry partners which assisted in the dismantling of a significant network of offenders," Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said.
"Police have also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods and more importantly the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Syndicates tasking the apprehended offenders.
"Our focus continues to be on bringing the suppliers to justice, while intensifying efforts on impacting the illicit lifestyles of those involved in organised crime."
Watkinson warned family crime syndicates operating in Melbourne that "paying others to do your dirty work won’t keep you hidden".
"With every arrest we move one step closer to dismantling your enterprise and all those connected to it, seizing your illicit wealth and holding you accountable.
"Your luck will eventually run out."
