An alleged retail theft ring worth millions has been dismantled in Australia, with police confirming that an Indian national with an expired visa was among 31 people arrested.Victoria Police say the group is accused of stealing merchandise worth up to $10 million from supermarkets across the state in a highly organized operation.
The arrests come after a months-long investigation.The accused include a 39-year-old Indian man who police allege was in the country on an expired visa. He is accused of stealing approximately $160,000 worth of merchandise over several months. Authorities say he faces 68 counts of robbery and 19 counts of attempted robbery and has not yet appeared in court.Police say the group was running a coordinated “bespoke theft” model, targeting high-value everyday items such as baby formula, vitamins, skincare products and electric toothbrushes.
These goods were then passed to recipients and sold on the black market for a profit.The thefts occurred in several locations in Australia, including Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong, with officers saying members of the group often traveled long distances to carry out the crimes.So far, 18 people have been jailed in connection with the investigation, while 10 other cases are still before the courts. Police say investigations are continuing and further action has not been ruled out.
The investigation builds on previous efforts such as Operation Supernova, which also targeted similar alleged theft networks. Authorities previously claimed that some of the groups included international students on temporary visas.Victoria Police say retail theft is one of the fastest growing types of crime in the state, with a sharp rise recorded over the past year. This campaign is part of wider enforcement efforts, including Operation Pulse, which has increased police presence in shopping centers and led to the arrests of more than 1,000 people linked to retail and related offences.
