Almost half a million dollars in cash and allegedly stolen jet skis worth more than $100,000 have been uncovered as part of investigations into a suspected organised crime syndicate.
Twelve search warrants were simultaneously executed in Melbourne and regional Victoria on 20 October as part of Operation Bluecrush, led by the Water Police Squad's Marine Investigation Unit.
The Vehicle Crime Squad, North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Transit CIU and Altona Divisional Response Unit were also involved along with detectives from Knox, Maroondah and Bass Coast crime investigation units.
Warrants were executed at residential locations and commercial collision repair businesses. Suburbs included Meadow Heights, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Brooklyn, Heathmont, Rowville and Cowes.
A total $460,000 in cash was recovered along with seven stolen jet skis worth more than $100,000. Police will allege the vessels, mostly taken from driveways and garages, were part of a rebirthing operation. Jet skis recovered were allegedly stolen from suburbs including Dandenong, Campbellfield, Roxburgh Park and Toorak.
Seven vessel trailers, jet ski parts and vehicle transfer documents were also seized along with computers, CCTV hard drives and keys to several luxury vehicles.
Police have charged two men - a 36-year-old from Craigieburn and a 41-year-old from Meadow Heights - with handling stolen goods and possessing the proceeds of crime. Each was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 June 2022.
Inquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with information which may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Marine Investigation Unit Detective Leading Senior Constable Chris Obst:
"Marine Investigation Unit detectives have extensive experience in understanding how rebirthing operations work.
"These skills mean we can identify stolen vessels - even if efforts have been made to conceal their origin.
"Rebirthing vessels is a serious crime and the penalties are significant.
"It's also gutting for unwitting jet ski owners who outlay thousands of dollars only to discover their vessels are stolen.
"We implore would-be boat and jet ski owners to do their due diligence before making a purchase. If a vessel is dirt cheap, there's a strong possibility it's stolen."
