Melbourne police arrest 19 alleged members of sophisticated shoplifting syndicate accused of targeting supermarket chains
The alleged offenders, predominantly Indian nationals on temporary visas, are accused of being part of a wider criminal network that systematically targeted supermarket giants for high-demand products including baby formula, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, skincare items, electric toothbrushes and personal toiletries.
The arrests form part of a months-long police operation that investigators say has dealt a significant blow to a criminal enterprise allegedly responsible for more than $10 million in stolen goods across a five-month period.
Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella described the operation as a major success, stating: "This has been one of the most significant operations we've undertaken in recent times to target organised retail theft."
The investigation has so far led to the apprehension of six men and one woman, aged between 21 and 54, who are facing charges linked to a series of thefts, with individual incidents valued between $25,000 and $136,000.
Authorities have revealed that the group worked in a coordinated fashion, stealing products in bulk and funnelling the merchandise through supply chains to illegal sellers. Further court appearances are expected over the coming months.
Ciavarella said police were able to act swiftly due to intelligence sharing with affected retailers.
"By working with major retailers, we've been able to identify alleged offenders quickly and build a strong intelligence picture, allowing us to target the right people at the right time," she told Nine News.
"We will allege this syndicate are not only stealing for themselves, but they are part of a coordinated criminal enterprise profiting from stolen goods.
'Our message is simple: if you target our retail sector, we will target you."
The arrests are part of a broader effort by Victoria Police to dismantle organised theft rings believed to be exploiting retail vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors where high-value, high-turnover products are attractive to the black market.
Further inquiries are ongoing as police look to trace the full extent of the network and uncover additional players involved in the operation.
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