Man arrested at airport over role in theft of $1m worth of baby formula

Jan 15, 2019 

A Carlingford man was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Saturday over his alleged role in the coordinated theft of more than $1 million worth of baby formula from stores across Sydney.

The 31-year-old was arrested upon returning from China on Saturday morning, and marked the fifth arrest NSW police have made in relation to what they call "a well-coordinated theft syndicate".

A 31-year old man was arrested at Sydney Airport as he returned from China. CREDIT:NSW POLICE

Strike Force Dungv was established in February last year after retailers reported thefts of baby formula and vitamins.

The first two charges were laid in August when a 48-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were arrested. Following their arrest, police searched two homes in Carlingford and seized 4000 tins of baby formula, large quantities of vitamins and Manuka honey, all of which were alleged to be stolen.

The baby formula haul, seized by police August 2018.CREDIT:NSW POLICE

Police then arrested a 53-year old man in December 2018 and a 29-year old woman this month, before the airport arrest on the weekend.

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, praised the work of investigators.

"This has been a meticulous investigation, with detectives now putting five people before the courts and disrupting a well-coordinated theft syndicate," he said.

"Police will continue to pursue those who seek to make a quick buck at the disadvantage of others and will always strive to stamp out unscrupulous activity."d to shortlistThe 31-year-old man had his luggage searched by Border Force officials before being taken to Mascot Police station and then charged for recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group contributing criminal activity.

He appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, where he was granted strict bail. He will reappear at Parramatta Local Court on January 30.

The 53-year old man has been charged with knowingly participating in criminal group assisting crime, and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime.

The 29-year old woman was charged with participating in a criminal group contributing criminal activity, and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime.

Both were granted strict conditional bail and are due to appear at Burwood Local Court on February 5.

The crisis in baby formula supply in Australia has seen one-kilogram tins of formula worth between $25 and $35 on-sold in China for a profit of $100 per tin.

In response, supermarket giants have limited the number of tins customers can buy or sell the formula behind the counter.