rewrite this title Australian Police Bust Gang Targeting Crypto ATMs, Trading Cards – Decrypt

Police in Australia have dismantled an organized crime syndicate accused of stealing from six crypto ATMs and raiding collectible card stores across Melbourne’s northwest, seizing approximately 50,000 AUD ($31,800) in trading cards and multiple firearms.

In a Monday notice, Victoria Police’s North West Metro Regional Crime Squad said it had arrested four people over the last week, uncovering what they called an “Aladdin’s cave” of stolen items including Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL and NBA trading cards.

The case emerges as Australia has become the world’s third-largest crypto ATM market, with installations increasing 17-fold since 2022, according to data from TRM Labs.

While the U.S. still has more Bitcoin and crypto ATMs numbering almost 32,000—the cash-to-crypto industry has processed at least $160 million in illicit volumes since 2019, according to research from TRM Labs.

Notably, the rate of illicit activity from crypto ATMs (1.2%) is double that of the overall crypto ecosystem (0.63%).

The group allegedly targeted ATMs from businesses in Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee and Vermont, while also burglarizing collectible card stores in Epping, Moonee Ponds and Eumemmerring since mid-January.

Police executed warrants across Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough and South Morang, seizing five alleged stolen firearms, approximately 100 alleged stolen car keys, ammunition, and a pill press machine.

The two primary suspects face multiple charges. A 37-year-old Reservoir man was charged with 14 counts of burglary and firearm offenses, while a 32-year-old Epping man faces charges including commercial burglaries, vehicle theft, and methamphetamine possession.

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

Police identified connections to Middle Eastern organized crime syndicates that were allegedly directing the apprehended offenders. Two additional suspects, aged 33 and 46, were released pending further investigation.

“Paying others to do your dirty work won’t keep you hidden,” Watkinson warned.