Former NRL star Trent Merrin charged in $140K crypto theft
Former Australian rugby league player Trent Merrin has been charged over the alleged theft of $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency following a police raid at his Wollongong home. The 36-year-old former Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons forward was arrested on 4 November (Tuesday) morning after New South Wales (NSW) Police executed a search warrant at his Barrack Point residence.
According to Code Sports, Merrin faces charges of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception. Officers reportedly seized several electronic devices for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
NSW police investigation into $140,000 crypto scam
Authorities began investigating the case in late 2024 after receiving allegations that $140,000 in cryptocurrency had been stolen from the account of a 29-year-old man.
“Police will allege in court that the man accessed the 29-year-old man’s account and transferred $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency,” NSW Police said in an official statement, as reported by media.
Merrin was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged and later granted conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear before Port Kembla Local Court on 3 December 2025.
Former Blues and Kangaroos forward faces court
After a 12-year career, Merrin, who played for the Kangaroos in Australia and New South Wales in State of Origin, retired from professional rugby league in 2021. The former NRL player, who is still well-known in the Australian sports community, faces a significant post-career legal challenge as a result of the accusations.
The case adds to the growing number of crypto-related fraud investigations across Australia, as authorities tighten enforcement around digital asset theft and cybercrime. Last week, Australia’s financial crime regulator (AUSTRAC) fined crypto ATM operator Cryptolink for failure of reporting large cash transactions on time. AUSTRAC also ordered Cryptolink to improve its anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CTF) controls.
Australia’s crypto laws win support, face clarity calls
Recently, Australia proposed draft legislation to regulate digital asset platforms under its financial system. The consultation period ended on 24 October, and feedback from industry stakeholders is under review. The regulations might change the nation’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation if they are passed and go into force by March 2026.
The proposed rule will bring cryptocurrency platforms into compliance with the same criteria as traditional financial institutions by requiring them to obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Platforms with licenses must adhere to operational, financial, and consumer protection standards.
