According to the Melbourne newspaper "News," on May 30th, local police announced that they have successfully dismantled a criminal organization operating mainly in the eastern suburbs. Four adult criminals and children associated with their organization are suspected of stealing cash and tobacco this year, totaling up to 2 million Australian dollars.
In a raid on May 29th, police arrested four adults suspected of organizing child crimes and selling stolen tobacco. During the operation, authorities seized a carload of tobacco, e-cigarettes, designer handbags and shoes, weapons, and $240,000 Australian dollars in cash.
Eastern regional agent Dale Maxwell stated that over 20 children aged 12 to 17 were being directed to steal from gas stations, supermarkets, and tobacco shops in exchange for rewards of several hundred Australian dollars. He said, "In this investigation, police uncovered a complex network of child criminals committing serious and violent crimes under the guidance of adults. These adults have backgrounds in criminal gangs and prefer not to commit the crimes themselves.
According to police charges, a gang organized 140 cigarette shop thefts and armed robberies in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne this year. A 19-year-old man from Burwood and a 19-year-old man from Ferntree Gully have been arrested and will face charges of armed robbery, theft, car theft, and other offenses.
The police will charge the two 19-year-old men with providing stolen vehicles, specifying locations for juvenile offenders to commit robberies and thefts of tobacco, and consider them as the main organizers of the entire case. In addition, a 33-year-old man from Beckwood and a 53-year-old man from Silvan have also been arrested and will face charges related to handling stolen tobacco.
Police have stated that there has been an increase in tobacco shop thefts in Melbourne this year, with over 80% of apprehended suspects being under the age of 18.
Maxwell, the acting police commissioner, said, "These adults intentionally use young people to commit crimes for them, innocently hoping they won't be associated with the criminal behavior, while they themselves profit from it.
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