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Australian authorities have made four arrests to dismantle an organized crime gang targeting a string of crypto ATMs.
An organized crime group stands accused of stealing from six crypto ATMs and collectible card stores across the northwest of Melbourne. The thefts are thought to amount to around 50,000 AUD (the equivalent of $31,800), largely in trading cards and firearms.
Victoria Police’s North West Metro Regional Crime Squad said that it had made four arrests over the last week, uncovering what was described as an “Aladdin’s cave” of stolen items. That included Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA trading cards.
The rise in crime is perhaps to be expected, as Australia recently became the world’s third-largest crypto ATM market, with 17 times more machine installations per year since 2022. Although the US still has more in number, the rapid rise in Australia is worth noting.
Why are crypto ATMs being targeted?
In the crypto sector, crime is twice more common in crypto ATMs than the wider industry. The lack of human interaction means that stealing from them or installing malware is becoming more and more common. Australia is not alone in seeing such crimes, with the UK and Germany also having high-profile cases.
In the Melbourne case, the crime group allegedly targeted a number of businesses in a series of instances since mid-January this year. In the arrests, five stolen firearms, around 100 stolen car keys, ammunition, and a pill press machine were also seized.
The two primary suspects of the four arrests face multiple charges, with a 37-year-old man charged with 14 counts of burglary and firearm offenses and a 32-year-old man charged with commercial burglaries, vehicle theft, and methamphetamine possession. Two other suspects, aged 33 and 46, were released pending further investigation.
Local Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said in a public statement that the operation benefited from “the vigilance of the affected trading card community and the invaluable support from industry partners” and that the authorities are “confident that we have apprehended the main 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,” he continued. “And to the organised familial crime syndicates operating across Melbourne – 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!”
Featured image: Midjourney
