In a twist worthy of a modern fable, the Australian police have stumbled upon what can only be described as an “Aladdin’s cave” of pilfered treasures, all thanks to a local crime syndicate that seems to have taken a liking to crypto ATMs and collector card stores in the bustling metropolis of Melbourne. Who knew that the path to riches could be paved with stolen Pokémon cards? 🎴
According to the local constabulary, a “significant network of offenders” has been implicated in a series of audacious commercial burglaries. These miscreants have reportedly made off with six cryptocurrency ATMs and tens of thousands of dollars worth of collector cards since the middle of January. It appears that crime does pay—at least until you get caught! 😅
The authorities, in their relentless pursuit of justice, uncovered a veritable stockpile of stolen goods, which included firearms, a staggering 100 car keys (because who needs just one?), a pill press machine (for those DIY enthusiasts), and an assortment of power tools. It’s like a hardware store’s worst nightmare! 🔧
The stolen cards spanned a range of beloved franchises, including Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic the Gathering. One can only imagine the heartache of a collector losing their prized Charizard! 🐉
Detectives suspect that the gang was utilizing stolen vehicles to facilitate their nefarious activities. Because why not add grand theft auto to the list of charges? 🚗💨
In a dramatic turn of events, four men have been apprehended in connection with this crime spree. One of them faces a litany of charges, including 14 counts of burglary related to commercial cryptocurrency ATMs and gaming stores, along with handling stolen goods and possessing a trafficable quantity of firearms. He’s due in court on May 2, where he might just find out that crime doesn’t pay after all! ⚖️
Another suspect has been charged with five commercial burglaries, three counts of motor vehicle theft, unlicensed driving, and possessing a prohibited weapon. He will make his court appearance on February 21. Talk about a busy schedule! 📅
Two other gentlemen were released pending further investigation, perhaps to ponder their life choices. 🤔
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson, from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, expressed confidence that they had apprehended the main offenders, but hinted at a larger syndicate lurking in the shadows. “We’ve also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods and, more importantly, the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Syndicates that are orchestrating this whole circus,” he stated, as if he were narrating a gripping novel. 📖
Australia: The Unexpected Crypto ATM Hub
According to Coin ATM Radar, there are currently 313 Bitcoin (BTC) ATMs and tellers operating in the state where these thieves were having their fun. Australia, once a slowpoke in the crypto ATM race, has seen a meteoric rise in adoption, especially after private firms decided to jump on the bandwagon at the end of 2022. 🚀
Now, Australia proudly stands as the third-largest hub for Bitcoin and crypto ATMs, boasting over 1,462 machines—up from a mere 67 in August 2022. Talk about a glow-up! ✨
Leading the charge are crypto ATM providers like Coinflip, with a whopping 679 ATMs; Localcoin, with 543; and Cryptolink, with 98. It’s a veritable ATM arms race! 💰
However, let’s not forget our neighbors across the pond: the US still reigns supreme with a staggering 29,740 Bitcoin ATMs, accounting for a whopping 80% of the global market. Canada, bless its heart, comes in second with 3,074 crypto ATMs, holding a mere 8.3% of the market. 🍁
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2025-02-18 03:48