Australian police have busted an organized crime syndicate responsible for a string of burglaries on bitcoin ATMs and collectible card stores across Melbourne.
The investigation led by Victoria Police’s North West Metro Regional Crime Squad resulted in the arrest of four men and the recovery of stolen items worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Since mid-January, a group of thieves allegedly stole six bitcoin ATMs from businesses in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, and Vermont.
These ATMs had both digital currency and cash in them, making them a tasty target. In addition to the ATM thefts, the gang also broke into collectible card stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring, and stole cards valued at around AU$50,000 ($31,800 USD).
The stolen cards were of popular brands like Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA.
When police executed search warrants at properties in Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough, and South Morang, they found a large number of stolen goods.
Among the recovered items were five stolen firearms, approximately 100 stolen car keys, ammunition, a pill press machine, and various stolen power tools.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson of the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad described the find as an “Aladdin’s cave” of stolen goods.
He also said, “Police have also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods and, more importantly, the Middle Eastern Organized Crime Syndicates tasking the apprehended offenders.”
Four men were arrested as part of the operation with two facing serious charges.
A 37-year-old man from Reservoir has been charged with 14 counts of burglary, firearm possession, and handling stolen goods. He will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
A 32-year-old man from Epping is facing multiple burglary charges, vehicle theft, drug possession, and weapon-related offenses. He will appear in court on February 21.
Two others, 33 and 46, were spoken to and released pending further investigation.
This is as Australia has become the world’s third-largest market for bitcoin ATMs after the US and Canada. According to Coin ATM Radar, Australia now has over 1,461 bitcoin ATMs up from 67 in 2022.
But as the number of bitcoin ATMs increase so does the crime. Reports indicate that bitcoin ATM-related scams and thefts are becoming a global problem. Since 2020 bitcoin ATM scams have gone from $12 million to $65 million. Some are using these machines for money laundering.
Police believe this was an organized operation and possibly linked to larger syndicates. Detective Inspector Watkinson warned those behind the scenes won’t stay hidden forever. “Paying others to do your dirty work won’t keep you hidden,” he said.
Law enforcement is urging businesses and individuals to be vigilant and report suspicious activity. In December 2024 the Australian government established a special task force, led by AUSTRAC, to investigate digital-asset-related money laundering and ATM fraud.
While police have arrested the main offenders, investigations are still ongoing. The police have urged citizens to report any information they have about stolen goods, drug trafficking, or firearm-related activity by contacting Crime Stoppers.
