An alleged crime syndicate targeting major supermarket chains has plundered more than $300,000 worth of stolen goods from stores, Victoria Police has confirmed.
Nine people have been arrested in an investigation into the group, which allegedly steals items from major supermarket chains and sells them to small businesses for less than their retail price.
A 67-year-old woman has been arrested and accused of being a part of the syndicate, along with seven others, who have been charged with theft-related offences.
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The alleged criminals are aged between 30 and 67 years old.
Two business owners have been charged with receiving the stolen goods, including a 67-year-old in St Albans.
More than $300,000 in stolen goods have been recovered by Victoria Police.
The black market trade caught the attention of police in June after two men allegedly stole $240,000 of top-shelf wine from trucks in Truganina.
"We are finding people are making lists to order… and then the thieves will go out and steal those goods, then going back to the retail outlet to purchase," Acting Superintendent Rhonda Brown said
"[It includes] baby products, electrical goods, health and beauty vitamins."
"Ultimately the community suffers… we create an unsafe environment, the prices rise for the purchase of their goods."
Police have also warned small business owners to think twice before purchasing the allegedly stolen goods.
"When you're being offered those lower priced items… please don't take them… because your door may be the next one we're knocking on," Brown said.
