Three teenagers have been linked by police to an investigation into an alleged syndicate targeting electric dirt bikes across Melbourne’s southern and eastern suburbs.

According to Victoria Police, the group allegedly used social media to arrange dirt-bike purchases and, in some cases, paid sellers with counterfeit money. Investigators are also examining incidents in which teenage sellers were allegedly threatened with weapons and had their bikes stolen.

Police outlined several incidents during the investigation. On 5 January 2026, a 17-year-old boy allegedly arranged to sell his electric dirt bike in Cheltenham for $3,950. Police allege the money he received was counterfeit.

A similar incident was reported in Glen Iris on 1 February. A 17-year-old seller had negotiated a $5,700 sale, but investigators allege that counterfeit cash was used in the transaction. Police also investigated alleged armed thefts. On 18 February, a 15-year-old boy was allegedly threatened with a machete and an extendable baton in parkland in Mulgrave before his dirt bike was taken.

In Lysterfield on 28 March, a teenage seller allegedly questioned the money offered during a negotiated sale. Police allege that members of the group produced a machete and stole the bike. Another incident was reported in Springvale on 3 April. A 16-year-old boy had arranged to sell his dirt bike in a park when he was allegedly threatened with a machete. Police allege he was chased by the group on another electric bike and forced to hand over the keys.

Police said no one was physically injured in the alleged theft incidents. Following extensive inquiries, officers from the Knox Crime Investigation Unit executed three search warrants in the Greater Dandenong area on Wednesday, 14 October.

During the searches, police seized an electric bike believed to be stolen, approximately $11,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds of crime, nearly $12,000 in counterfeit cash, an extendable baton and a sword. A 17-year-old boy was charged with multiple alleged offences, including aggravated carjacking, armed robbery, assault with a weapon, using counterfeit cash and obtaining property by deception. He also faces charges relating to suspected proceeds of crime and possession of a prohibited weapon.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with alleged aggravated carjacking, armed robbery and weapons offences. Both teenagers were brought before a children's court and remanded in custody to appear again at a later date. A 16-year-old boy was interviewed in relation to alleged vehicle theft and weapons offences, as well as possession of counterfeit cash. He was released pending a summons. Police said inquiries to locate another alleged offender were continuing.

The investigation highlights the risks associated with arranging private sales of valuable electric bikes through social media. Police urge sellers to take precautions, avoid carrying out transactions in isolated locations and report suspicious behaviour.

The charges remain allegations, and the accused teenagers are entitled to the presumption of innocence while the court process continues.