Indian nationals among 19 arrested as police bust $10m shoplifting syndicate in Melbourne. Among those arrested are six men and one woman aged between 21 and 54, facing theft charges with individual incidents valued between $25,000 and $136,000.Victoria Police have dismantled one of Melbourne’s largest alleged organised retail theft rings, arresting 19 people accused of stealing more than $10 million worth of high-demand products over five months. The syndicate, allegedly made up mostly of Indian nationals on temporary visas, targeted major supermarket chains across Melbourne.
The syndicate was involved in stealing items including baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes and toiletries. Investigators say the group worked in a coordinated network, funnelling stolen goods to illegal sellers for profit. Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella, Eastern Region Division 1 Investigation and Response Manager, called the operation a major success. “This has been one of the most significant operations we’ve undertaken in recent times to target organised retail theft,” she 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. Our message is simple: if you target our retail sector, we will target you.”Among those arrested are six men and one woman aged between 21 and 54, facing theft charges with individual incidents valued between $25,000 and $136,000. Police have worked closely with retailers and the Australian Border Force to identify alleged offenders quickly and build intelligence to strike at the right time.
Investigations remain ongoing, with further arrests expected. Police urge anyone with information about organised retail theft or the on-selling of stolen goods to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online. Retail theft is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing crimes, with 41,270 offences recorded in the past year – a 38% increase state-wide. Operation ‘Supanova’, led by the Box Hill Divisional Response Unit, is part of a wider crackdown on coordinated shoplifting rings.