Crime group that allegedly stole $10million in supermarket goods charged in historic police bust
Detectives described the alleged operation that targeted supermarkets across Melbourne CBD as one of the 'largest organised retail theft syndicates' in recent history.
The five-month police blitz dubbed 'Operation Supanova' resulted in 19 arrests of predominantly Indian nationals on temporary student or bridging visas.
Victoria Police allege they were part of a coordinated network which supplied stolen goods to 'receivers', who then sold the products on for profit.
The alleged thefts involved high-demand products such as baby formula, medication, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes and toiletries.
Six men and a woman aged between 21 and 54 were among those arrested. All six men currently remain in custody and are due to face court in the coming weeks.
One man, 22, of no fixed address, was charged with 54 counts of theft and is accused of stealing more than $136,000 worth of goods.
Two more men were accused of stealing $109,000 and $111,000 worth of goods respectively and face a combined total of 71 offences.
The woman, 54, who was charged with 30 counts of handling stolen goods, has been granted bail.
Australian Border Force was notified about the alleged offenders on temporary visas.
Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests expected.
'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.
'We will allege this syndicate are not only stealing for themselves, but they are part of a coordinated criminal enterprise profiting from stolen goods.
'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.
'Our message is simple: if you target our retail sector, we will target you. We will continue to work with our partners to protect businesses and hold offenders to account.'
Retail theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Victoria, with 41,270 offences recorded in the past year, resulting in a 38 per cent increase.
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