An alleged retail theft network worth millions has been broken up in Australia, with police confirming that an Indian national on an expired visa is among 31 people arrested.Victoria police say the group is accused of stealing up to $10 million worth of goods from supermarkets across the state in a highly organised operation.
The arrests follow a months-long investigation.Among those charged is a 39-year-old Indian man who police allege was in the country on an expired visa. He is accused of stealing around $160,000 worth of goods over several months. Authorities say he faces 68 counts of theft and 19 counts of attempted theft and is yet to appear in court.Police say the group ran a coordinated “theft-to-order” model, targeting high-value everyday items such as baby formula, vitamins, skincare products and electric toothbrushes.
These goods were then passed to receivers and sold on the black market for profit.The thefts took place across several locations in Australia including Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong, with officers saying members of the group often travelled long distances to carry out the crimes.So far, 18 people linked to the investigation have been jailed, while another 10 cases are still before the courts. Police say inquiries are ongoing and further action has not been ruled out.
The investigation builds on earlier efforts such as Operation Supernova, which also targeted similar alleged theft networks. Authorities have previously claimed some groups involved 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. The crackdown is part of wider enforcement efforts including Operation Pulse, which has increased police presence in shopping centres and led to more than 1,000 arrests linked to retail crime and related offences.
