Four Irishmen are in custody in Australia accused of carrying out more than 20 burglaries and home invasions across Melbourne.
The men, along with a woman later arrested, are alleged to be part of what police in Victoria has described as an international crime syndicate operating in the country since the start of this year.
At least 13 Irish people are understood to now be in custody in connection with dozens of burglaries linked to the same gang that netted at least A$1.5m (£770,000) in cash and luxury goods.
The latest arrests, which followed a series of raids last week, are linked to 20 burglaries and home invasions around the city between April and July this year.
It is alleged cleaning products, including bleach, was used to cover their tracks, the same modus operandi used by others arrested for the same offences in May and March of this year.
Police have swooped on members of an Irish crime gang who are accused of robbing more than 20 homes across Melbourne. @NearyTy_9 #9News pic.twitter.com/kgb83c9QM0
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) August 15, 2024
Police said the four entered Australia using false passports. They checked into a caravan park after entering the country, 9News in Melbourne reported.
It is alleged the group stole more than A$500,000 (£257,000) worth of property, including cash, designer jewellery, handbags and watches, including a A$120,000 Rolex.
Most of the offences happened when residents were away, but they are also accused of committing home invasions and an aggravated burglary.
On one occasion, a young woman was confronted by the burglars as she emerged from the shower.
“People coming into your private space... it’s extremely traumatic,” Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Daniel Brown told reporters.
The four men aged between 31 and 33 have been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 6. Police also arrested a 32-year-old woman at a caravan park
In late May, one Irishmen suspected of being involved in the international criminal syndicate was arrested, while another was reported as being on the the run.
It followed the home invasion of a property where a teenage girl was alone inside. A witness told 9News she was “completely terrified and started crying”.
“She was hiding under the bedsheets and they just ripped the bedsheets off, took her phone and pretty much told her to shut up and stand in the corner,” he said.
The 20-year-old man arrested was named as Will McDonagh, while the individual on the run was 21-year-old Will Buckley, also known as Connors.
In early May, three Irish men were arrested and accused of robbing 50 homes over several months.
Christie McDonagh, 19, Michael McDonagh, 24 and James Connors, 25 were charged with allegedly stealing over A$1m worth of cash, jewellery and designer handbags.
They also used bleach and other cleaners on surfaces and doors as they made their getaway, it is alleged.
In March, a further three Irish men were arrested in connection to home burglaries between January and March.
