Melbourne Syndicate Accused of Stealing, Reselling $320k Liquor
Six men have been charged in connection with the theft of over $320,000 worth of alcohol from various stores throughout Melbourne. Police allege that the men were part of a syndicate, with some members stealing from stores while others waited in a getaway vehicle. The stolen liquor was then reportedly sold for profit.
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On Wednesday, 20 November, at approximately 7pm, police were summoned to a liquor store on Mahoneys Road in Thomastown after being alerted by the store’s staff. A 26-year-old man from Truganina was arrested at the scene and charged with 68 offences, including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol. He is set to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 4 February 2025.
Simultaneously, police intercepted a vehicle in Mulgrave that was linked to the ongoing thefts. The 30-year-old driver, also from Truganina, allegedly tested positive for methylamphetamine. A search of the vehicle revealed 40 bottles of alcohol and two shopping baskets from a liquor store. The driver, believed to be one of the syndicate leaders, will be charged with 23 offences, including the theft of over $18,000 worth of alcohol. His passengers were also arrested.
Among the arrested passengers were a 39-year-old man from Wollert, who is also suspected to be a leader and recruiter of the syndicate. He will be charged with 22 offences, including the theft of more than $95,000 worth of alcohol, and is set to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 4 December 2024.
A 30-year-old man from North Melbourne will face 30 charges, including the theft of more than $42,000 worth of alcohol. He is due in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 27 February 2025. Additionally, a 29-year-old man from Truganina will be charged with 17 offences, including the theft of nearly $40,000 worth of alcohol. He was released on bail to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2025.
It is alleged that the 40 bottles of alcohol found in the vehicle were stolen from liquor stores in Doveton and Rowville. Another alleged syndicate member, a 23-year-old man from Craigieburn, was arrested on Friday 22 November. He was charged with 36 offences, including the theft of $57,000 worth of alcohol, and is due to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 27 February 2025.
