Key Takeaways
- Australian police arrested 4 males for Bitcoin ATM and card retailer thefts.
- Six Bitcoin ATMs and AU$50,000 value of collectible playing cards have been stolen.
- Police recovered firearms, stolen automotive keys, and different illicit items.
Australian police have dismantled an organized crime syndicate liable for focusing on Bitcoin ATMs and collectible card shops in a number of Melbourne suburbs.
The Victoria Police North West Metro Regional Crime Squad arrested 4 suspects and seized a big stash of stolen objects.
Theft particulars
Since mid-January, the gang allegedly stole six Bitcoin ATMs from companies in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, and Vermont.
These machines contained each digital property and money, making them profitable targets.
Moreover, the thieves looted collectible card shops in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring, stealing buying and selling playing cards value roughly AU$50,000 ($31,800 USD).
Seized objects
Police search warrants at properties in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough, and South Morang uncovered 5 stolen firearms, round 100 stolen automotive keys, ammunition, a capsule press, and stolen energy instruments.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson described the findings as an “Aladdin’s cave” of stolen items.
Expenses and arrests
A 37-year-old man from Reservoir faces 14 housebreaking costs, firearm possession, and dealing with stolen items, with a court docket date set for Could 2.
A 32-year-old man from Epping is charged with a number of burglaries, car theft, and drug offenses, showing in court docket on February 21.
Two different suspects have been launched pending additional investigation.
Market context
With over 1,461 Bitcoin ATMs, Australia is now the third-largest market globally.
Nevertheless, Bitcoin ATM-related crimes are rising, with scams rising from $12 million in 2020 to $65 million.
Authorities proceed investigating potential ties to bigger syndicates.