Australian law enforcement has taken down a criminal organization allegedly responsible for robberies targeting crypto ATMs and collectible card shops in Melbourne’s northwest region. Authorities reportedly confiscated around 50,000 AUD ($31,800) worth of collectible cards along with several firearms.

Victoria Police’s North West Metro Regional Crime Squad announced on Monday the apprehension of four individuals in the past week. Police described the recovered loot as an “Aladdin’s cave” filled with stolen trading cards encompassing popular franchises such as Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA.

This case unfolds as Australia rises to become the third-largest global market for crypto ATMs, experiencing a substantial 17-fold growth in installations since 2022, according to insights provided by TRM Labs.

While the United States maintains the lead with nearly 32,000 Bitcoin and crypto ATMs, research from TRM Labs indicates that this cash-to-crypto sector has facilitated at least $160 million in illegal transactions since 2019.

Police have dismantled an organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in a series of commercial burglaries targeting crypto ATMs and collector cards across Melbourne’s north west. pic.twitter.com/Y4jVw29XoH

— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) February 16, 2025

Interestingly, the proportion of illicit activity associated with crypto ATMs (1.2%) is twice as high as that observed across the broader cryptocurrency sphere (0.63%).

The criminal group reportedly targeted ATMs located within businesses in various suburbs including Hoppers Crossing, Bentleigh, Brunswick, Werribee, and Vermont. They also allegedly broke into collectible card stores situated in Epping, Moonee Ponds, and Eumemmerring, with these incidents beginning in mid-January.

During the execution of search warrants across Reservoir, Coburg North, Greensborough, and South Morang, police seized five suspected stolen firearms, approximately 100 suspected stolen car keys, ammunition, and a pill press machine.

The two primary individuals under suspicion are facing a range of charges. A 37-year-old man from Reservoir has been charged with 14 counts of burglary along with firearm-related offenses. Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man from Epping is facing charges that include commercial burglaries, vehicle theft, and possession of methamphetamine.

Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson acknowledged that the success of the operation was aided by “the alertness of the affected trading card community and the crucial assistance from industry partners.”

Investigations revealed links to organized crime groups from the Middle East, who allegedly instructed the individuals who have been apprehended. Two additional suspects, aged 33 and 46, have been released but remain under investigation.

“Thinking you can hide by getting others to do your illegal actions will not work,” warned Watkinson.

decrypt.co