Victoria Police have smashed one of the biggest organised retail theft syndicates Melbourne has seen in recent years, arresting 19 people allegedly responsible for stealing more than $10 million worth of goods from major retailers across the city.

The crackdown, known as Operation Supernova, was led by the Box Hill Divisional Response Unit and focused on a coordinated network of thieves targeting high-demand products over a five-month period. Items taken included baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes and toiletries, all staples that small business owners and larger retailers alike know sell fast.

Syndicate targets fast-moving consumer goods

Police allege the syndicate operated like a well-organised criminal enterprise, with members stealing stock and passing it to ‘receivers’ who then resold it for profit. Many of those arrested are Indian nationals on temporary, student, or bridging visas, and police have been working closely with major retailers and the Australian Border Force to identify alleged offenders.

Among those arrested were six men and one woman aged between 21 and 54. Individual theft totals range from more than $25,000 to a staggering $136,000. Some of the main arrests included:

A 22-year-old student visa holder accused of stealing over $136,000 in retail items.

A 24-year-old student visa holder alleged to have taken more than $111,000 worth of goods.

A 21-year-old student visa holder allegedly pocketing over $109,000 in stolen stock.

A 54-year-old Springvale woman charged with handling stolen goods after police recovered more than $25,000 from her home.

Police targeting retail crime

Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella, who heads the Eastern Region Division 1 Investigation and Response, described the operation as one of the most significant recent efforts to tackle organised retail theft.

“We will allege this syndicate was not only stealing for themselves, but part of a coordinated criminal enterprise profiting from stolen goods,” Ciavarella said.
“By working with major retailers, we’ve been able to identify alleged offenders quickly and build a strong intelligence picture, allowing us to target the right people at the right time. Our message is simple: if you target our retail sector, we will target you.”

Retail theft is on the rise in Victoria, with 41,270 offences recorded in the past year (a 38 per cent increase). Police say operations like Supernova form part of a broader effort to clamp down on organised groups that steal in bulk and on-sell goods for profit, hitting both large chains and smaller operators.

Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests expected.

Police are urging anyone with information about organised shop theft or the on-selling of stolen goods to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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