In a significant operation, Victoria Police have arrested 19 individuals, primarily Indian nationals on temporary, student, or bridging visas, for allegedly orchestrating a $10 million retail theft syndicate across Melbourne. The operation, dubbed ‘Supanova,’ targeted major supermarket chains over five months, with stolen items including baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes, and toiletries.
Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella described the operation as one of the most significant efforts to combat organized retail theft in recent times. She emphasized the coordinated nature of the syndicate, which not only stole goods but also profited from reselling them through a network of receivers.
Among those arrested were six men and one woman, aged between 21 and 54, facing theft charges with individual incidents valued between $25,000 and $136,000. The syndicate’s activities have been linked to a 38% increase in retail theft across Victoria over the past year.
The investigation involved collaboration with major retailers and the Australian Border Force, who were notified about the alleged offenders’ visa statuses. Police have indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
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Authorities urge anyone with information about organized retail theft or the on-selling of stolen goods to contact Crime Stoppers.