Former Australian Rugby Star Arrested Over Alleged Crypto Theft
Former Australian Rugby League star Trent Merrin has been arrested and charged for allegedly stealing AUD $140,000 in cryptocurrency through unauthorized transfers. The arrest follows a year-long investigation into theft from a 29-year-old's crypto account. Merrin, who retired from professional rugby in 2021 after a distinguished career, has since ventured into business, particularly in crypto and wellness sectors. His arrest highlights Australia's increased efforts to combat crypto-related crimes as authorities view digital currencies as a major threat due to their cross-border and instantaneous transfer capabilities.
Former Rugby Star Arrested Over Crypto Theft
Former Australian Rugby League star Trent Merrin has been arrested and charged over the alleged theft of $91,000 (AUD $140,000) in cryptocurrency. Police allege that the retired footballer employed deceptive methods to transfer funds from a victim's account. Merrin was taken into custody at his Barrack Point residence on Tuesday morning following a year-long investigation.
Details of the Allegation
According to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald, police claim that Merrin dishonestly obtained financial advantage by deception through unauthorized crypto transfers. During a raid, officers seized electronic devices that will undergo forensic examination to assist with the ongoing inquiry. Merrin was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Port Kembla Local Court on December 3.
Merrin's Rugby Career and Retirement
The former St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers, and Leeds Rhinos player retired from the NRL in 2021 after completing a stellar career spanning 15 years, with 250 first-grade games. Merrin’s career highlights include representative honors for New South Wales and Australia.
Entrepreneurial Ventures Post-Retirement
Since retiring, Merrin has ventured into crypto and wellness industries. His LinkedIn profile highlights him as a "dedicated entrepreneur and investor with a passion for crypto, blockchain, and the health and wellness industry". Merrin has been building and backing innovative businesses since 2015, including the founding of Freeze Yourself, a cold plunge therapy service, in January 2023. Additionally, he operated as an angel investor through Merrin Investments from May 2015 to February 2025.
Australian Authorities Crack Down on Crypto Crime
Merrin’s arrest coincides with a significant push by Australian authorities to enforce laws against crypto-related crimes. In July 2023, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) identified crypto as a top priority in their fight against financial crime. CEO Brendan Thomas described it as "the most ambitious overhaul of Australia's anti-money laundering laws in a generation." Digital currencies are a growing concern due to their cross-border capabilities and the ease of instantaneous global transfers, which make them appealing to financial criminals.