Seven main suspects, aged between 21 and 43, are in custody, with most possibly living in student accommodation, while a 54-year-old woman from Springvale faces 30 charges of handling stolen goods and has been bailed.

Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as authorities continue their crackdown on retail crime.

Retail theft has surged in Victoria, with 41,270 offences recorded in the past year—a 38% increase—prompting police to intensify efforts to ensure safety and accountability.

The operation was led by the Box Hill divisional response unit in collaboration with retailers and the Australian Border Force, highlighting a coordinated approach to tackling organized retail theft.

Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella described the operation as one of the most significant recent efforts against organized retail theft, emphasizing its importance in protecting the community.

Victoria Police have arrested 19 individuals linked to a major syndicate responsible for stealing over $10 million worth of goods from supermarkets across Australia, including medicines and baby formula.

This operation is considered one of the most significant recent efforts to combat organized retail theft, involving collaboration with major retailers and targeting offenders to protect local businesses.

Police footage shows suspects carrying stolen items like toothpaste, honey, and baby formula, illustrating the scale and coordination of the theft network.

The syndicate primarily targeted high-value items such as baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare, electric toothbrushes, and toiletries.

Each suspect is accused of stealing goods valued between $37,000 and $136,000, with most of the accused being Indian nationals on temporary, student, or bridging visas, working within a coordinated network.