Australian Police Bust Crypto ATM and Pokémon Card Theft Syndicate
LTB Pokémon Criminal Syndicate Stealing Crypto ATMs Gets Knocked Down
Australian authorities have dismantled a crime syndicate involved in the theft of six cryptocurrency ATMs and burglaries at three collector card stores. The operation, led by Victoria Police, resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of valuable trading cards and weapons.
- Australian police dismantle crypto ATM and Pokémon card theft syndicate
- Six cryptocurrency ATMs stolen from five locations
- Three collector card stores hit since mid-January 2025
The Victoria Police’s North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, under the command of Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson, executed a strategic and coordinated effort to take down the syndicate. The criminals utilized stolen vehicles, firearms, and various tools to execute their crimes, highlighting how the worlds of cryptocurrency and collectibles have become prime targets for organized crime.
Cryptocurrency ATMs, machines that allow users to buy and sell digital currencies like Bitcoin using cash, have seen significant growth in Australia. With over 1,461 machines in early 2025, Australia ranks as the world’s third-largest market for Bitcoin ATMs. This rise in popularity has unfortunately made them attractive targets for thieves.
The police seized an impressive array of items from the suspects: approximately $50,000 worth of collectable trading cards, including Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA. They also recovered five stolen firearms, 100 stolen car keys, ammunition, a pill press machine—a device used to manufacture illegal drugs—and various stolen power tools.
Detective Inspector Watkinson highlighted the operation’s success and the importance of community and industry cooperation:
This was a highly organised and coordinated police operation.
The affected trading card community and industry partners assisted in the dismantling of a significant network of offenders.
Moreover, Watkinson issued a stern warning to other crime syndicates:
And to the organized familial crime syndicates operating across Melbourne – paying others to do your dirty work won’t keep you hidden.
The impact of these burglaries on the targeted businesses has been profound. Over the past six months, a dozen shops were hit, with thieves stealing about $1 million in trading cards and other stock. This relentless series of crimes has pushed some business owners to the brink, with some considering shutting down. One affected business owner shared, “We’ve invested so much in our passion for collecting, and now we’re forced to consider whether it’s even viable to continue.” The impact of trading card burglaries on businesses in Australia 2025 has been significant.
While the optimism around Bitcoin and blockchain technologies continues to fuel their adoption, it’s crucial to acknowledge the dark underbelly that these innovations can attract. This syndicate’s downfall serves as a reminder that while the future of finance and collectibles looks bright, it requires vigilance and robust security measures to ensure that freedom and privacy can flourish without the shadow of crime.
The Australian government has responded to the rising threat of digital-asset-related crime by establishing a special task force in December 2024, led by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), to combat money laundering and ATM fraud. This task force aims to implement stricter regulations and enhance security protocols to protect the growing market of cryptocurrency ATMs.
The case also underscores the need for businesses in the cryptocurrency and collectibles sectors to adopt enhanced security measures. This includes installing advanced surveillance systems, using secure storage solutions, and collaborating with law enforcement to prevent future crimes. As champions of decentralization and disruption, we must also support these businesses in their efforts to safeguard their assets and operations. Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the ongoing concerns about crypto ATM theft.
As the crypto world evolves, it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective. While we celebrate the potential of Bitcoin and blockchain technology to revolutionize finance and disrupt the status quo, we must also confront the challenges head-on. This includes addressing the allure of quick gains that can attract criminals and the ongoing need for security and regulatory measures to protect the integrity of these innovations. Understanding the broader context of organized crime in Australia may be helpful, as detailed on Wikipedia.
Key Takeaways and Questions
- What did the Australian police achieve in their recent operation?
They dismantled a crime syndicate involved in stealing cryptocurrency ATMs and Pokémon trading cards, arresting four individuals.
- How many cryptocurrency ATMS were stolen by the syndicate?
Six cryptocurrency ATMs were stolen from five different locations.
- What types of collectable trading cards were targeted by the syndicate?
The syndicate targeted cards from Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL, and NBA.
- What additional items were seized by the police during the operation?
The police seized stolen cars, firearms, ammunition, a pill press machine, and stolen power tools.
- What impact did the burglaries have on the affected businesses?
Over the past six months, the burglaries led to the theft of about $1 million in trading cards and other stock, causing some businesses to consider shutting down.
- Who did Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson warn in his statement?
He warned organized familial crime syndicates operating across Melbourne that paying others to do their dirty work won’t keep them hidden.
