A gold and diamond dealer has been accused of receiving stolen goods taken by armed robbers – including some Apex gang members – during a spate of violent jewellery heists across Melbourne.
Colombian-born Alejandro ‘Alex’ Mendieta was arrested on Thursday after his store was raided as part of an investigation into 33 smash-and-grab robberies in the past year.
Police have since charged the flamboyant 31-year-old, who is a fixture in the city’s nightclub scene, with possession of stolen goods, recklessly possessing stolen goods and handling stolen goods, according to The Herald Sun.
Gold and diamond dealer Alex Mendieta (pictured) has been accused of receiving stolen goods taken by armed robbers – including Apex gang members – during violent jewellery heists in Melbourne
Colombian-born Alejandro ‘Alex’ Mendieta was arrested on Thursday after his store was raided as part of an investigation into 33 smash-and-grab robberies in the past year
The flamboyant 31-year-old is a fixture in the city’s nightclub scene and had singer Delta Goodrem performing at his 30th birthday party
The stolen items are believed to have been snatched by young criminals, some who have been connected to the African Apex gang, who wielded guns and even machetes when confronting jewellery store staff.
Several of the items could have been taken in home invasions, police said.
Mr Mendieta, who is known to lead a glamorous high-flying lifestyle and had singer Delta Goodrem performing at his 30th birthday party, was arrested with two other Colombian men aged 34 and 36.
Detectives from the Gangs Crime Squad raided three homes including Mr Mendieta’s penthouse, and his jewellery store in Melbourne’s central business district.
Mr Mendieta’s Lamborghini was seized by police, as was cash, gold and silver, precious stones and gold bullion the police believe to be stolen or the proceeds of crime.
Police have charged him with possession of stolen goods, recklessly possessing stolen goods and handling stolen goods (pictured is a robbery of a jewellery store)
Mr Mendieta is seen chatting with Australian singer Delta Goodrem
Mr Mendieta (pictured) had his store and home raided on Thursday as part of the investigation
Crime Command Acting Commander Peter De Santo said the raids highlight police efforts to put a stop to the crime spree.
‘It’s not only about identifying and targeting offenders involved in violent incidents at jewellery stores, it’s also about investigating what happens after those offences occur,’ he said.
‘We know that offenders will be looking to move on items, many of which have significant value, so it’s about making sure we follow those lines of enquiry and stop those providing avenues for the disposal of these goods.
Several of the stolen items could have been taken in home invasions, police said
Mr Mendieta was arrested with two other Colombian men aged 34 and 36 (pictured is one of Thursday’s arrests)
‘These incidents have a significant impact on victims, whether it’s those who are in the store at the time of the offence or those business owners who are left with the loss of stock and damage to their stores.
‘We understand there has been a lot of concern from business owners, as well as the wider community, about this offending.’
He said known criminals were seen entering the raided premises to fence stolen goods even while police were carrying out their search warrants.
Mr Mendieta is the owner of Sell Your Gold Pty Ltd and Diamond On Sale Pty Ltd, and owns several properties in Melbourne.
Mr Mendieta’s Lamborghini (pictured) was impounded by police, as was cash, gold and silver, precious stones and gold bullion the police believe to be stolen or the proceeds of crime
The three men appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon (pictured is one of the men being led away by police)
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