Police have arrested two men as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in a series of high-end burglaries across Melbourne’s’ south-east.
The 12-month investigation was a coordinated effort involving detectives from Stonnington, Boroondara and Moorabbin Crime Investigation Units (CIU), including assistance from AFP, ABF, and international law enforcement agencies.
Police allege the two men, who are Lithuanian nationals, were involved in more than 60 burglaries between May 2022 and July 2023.
More than $2 million of property has been allegedly stolen during the burglaries, including large amounts of cash, jewellery, and designer clothing and handbags.
Investigators believe the pair allegedly targeted properties in Balwyn, Kew, Moorabbin, South Yarra, Sandringham and Toorak.
On Wednesday 12 July, police arrested both men after allegedly committing a burglary in Sandringham where a safe, cash, jewellery, handbags, and other items were stolen.
A 50-year-old man and 37-year-old man both from Lithuania were charged with burglary and theft and were remanded to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates Court at a later date.
On Friday 14 July, Victoria Police detectives along with the assistance of Australian Border Force executed a search warrant on a shipping container at a Melbourne dock – which was scheduled to depart Australia that day at 3pm. Police seized over 80 kilograms of alleged stolen property from the shipping container, including:
• Cash,
• Jewellery
• Designer clothing and handbags
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Luke Holmes:
“Alongside our law enforcement partners both in Australia and overseas, we are committed to targeting and dismantling organised crime networks.
“These arrests send a clear message to criminals looking to break into property and steal people’s prized possessions – we will find you and you will be held to account, no matter where you’re from.”
