Australian police say gang gang targeting crypto ATMs, trading cards

Australian police have dismantled an organized crime syndicate accused of stealing from six crypto ATMs and storming a collectable card store in northwest Melbourne, with around 50,000 AUD ($31,800) deal cards and multiple firearms was seized.

In a notification Monday, Victoria Police’s Northwest Metro Regional Crime Unit arrested four people last week and discovered Pokémon, Disney Lolkana, Yugio and what is called “Aladdin’s Cave” of magic stolen items. I’ve said that. Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, NBA trading cards.

The incident appears as Australia becomes the world’s third largest Crypto ATM market, with installations increasing 17 times since 2022, according to TRM Labs data.

The US still has more Bitcoin According to a TRM Labs survey, Crypto ATMs are almost 32,000.

In particular, the proportion of illegal activity from cryptographic ATMs (1.2%) is twice as high (0.63%) than the entire cryptographic ecosystem.

The group is said to have targeted ATMs from companies in Hoppers Crossing, Bentley, Brunswick, Werribee and Vermont, but since mid-January, Epping, Mooney Pond and Eumen Merry collection card stores have also been robbed.

Police have executed warrants throughout the reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough and South Moran, seized five stolen firearms, around 100 stolen car keys, ammunition and pillpress machines.

The two main suspects face multiple charges. The 37-year-old reservoir man was charged with 14 count robbery and firearm crimes, but 32-year-old Eppyman faces charges that include commercial robbery, vehicle theft and possession of methamphetamine.

Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said the operation benefited from “the vigilance of the affected trading card community and valuable support from industry partners.”

Police have identified ties to the Middle East Organized Crime Syndicate, which allegedly directs the arrested criminals. Two additional suspects, ages 33 and 46, were released until further investigation was made.

“Paying others to do your dirty work will not keep you hidden,” warned Watkinson.