19 arrested for allegedly stealing $10 million worth of baby formula and other items
The investigation dubbed Operation Supernova targeted an alleged syndicate involving international students which police say are mostly from India on temporary, student or bridging visas.
Police said the alleged thieves took baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes and toiletries over the past five months.
Officers alleged those who stole items passed them on to "receivers" who then sold them on to others for profit.
Among the arrests are three men, all in their 20s, who police alleged stole more than $100,000 worth of retail items each.
They're facing dozens of theft charges and have been remanded to appear in court later this month and next.
The investigation was carried out by Box Hill Divisional Response Unit who worked with major retailers and the Australian Border Force.
Retail theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Victoria, with 41,270 offences recorded in the past year — a 38 per cent increase state-wide, police said.
"This has been one of the most significant operations we've undertaken in recent times to target organised retail theft," Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella said.
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