10 July 2024

Man arrested in Wee Jasper over 2021 alleged million-dollar silver bullion heist

| Claire Fenwicke
man being escorted by police

Maclean John Fittler was arrested by detectives in Wee Jasper as part of investigations into the alleged silver bullion heist. Photo: NSW Police.

A 40-year-old man’s been arrested at a Wee Jasper property in relation to the alleged theft of $1 million worth of silver bullion in 2021.

Maclean John Fittler was refused bail in Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday (10 July) charged with larceny and armed with intent to commit indictable offence.

According to police, 960 kg of silver bullion was allegedly stolen from a consignment truck at some point between 4:30 pm on Friday (26 November, 2021) and 8 am Monday (29 November) while it was being transported from Maldon (near Picton) to Melbourne.

The 192 individual bars of silver bullion (weighing 5 kg each) were discovered missing when the truck arrived in Melbourne.

The consignment was estimated to be worth $1,015,000 in 2021, and to be worth more than $1.4 million today.

He’s next scheduled to appear in Goulburn Local Court on 4 September.

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Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took over the investigation under Strike Force Caimon.

Extensive investigations and multiple appeals for information resulted in Mr Fittler’s arrest in Wee Jasper at about 8:45 am on Tuesday (9 July).

He was taken to Yass Police Station while detectives also carried out search warrants at Bargo and Tahmoor properties, where electronic devices and business records were seized for forensic examination.

The silver bullion still hasn’t been recovered, with detectives still appealing for any information that may lead to its recovery.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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