Former Australian rugby star arrested for alleged crypto theft

Former Australian Rugby League star Trent Merrin has been arrested and charged over the alleged theft of $91,000 (AUD$140,000) worth of crypto, with police claiming the retired footballer used deceptive means to transfer money from a victim’s account.

The former Kangaroos and New South Wales Blues representative was taken into custody at his Barrack Point home on Tuesday morning following a year-long investigation into the alleged theft of a 29-year-old man’s crypto account, according to a report Through the Sydney Morning Herald.

Police allege that Merrin dishonestly obtained a financial advantage through deception through unauthorized crypto transfers.

Officers seized electronic devices during the raid, which will undergo forensic examination in support of the ongoing investigation, the report said.

Merrin was granted conditional bail and will appear in Port Kembla Local Court on December 3.

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The former St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers and Leeds Rhinos forward retired from the NRL in 2021 after 250 first-class appearances over a 15-year professional career that included representative honors for New South Wales and Australia.

Since hanging up his boots, Merrin has actively pursued business ventures in the crypto and wellness sectors.

Are LinkedIn profile describes him as a “dedicated entrepreneur and investor with a passion for crypto, blockchain and the health and wellness industry,” noting that he has been “actively involved in building and supporting innovative companies” since 2015.

Merrin founded Freeze Yourself in January 2023, a cold plunge therapy service targeting the booming health and wellness market. From May 2015 to February 2025, he also operated as an angel investor through Merrin Investments.

Merrin’s arrest comes as Australian authorities step up enforcement against crypto-related crime.

In July, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center published declared crypto a top threat in its financial crime enforcement priorities, with CEO Brendan Thomas calling it “the most ambitious overhaul of Australia’s anti-money laundering laws in a generation”.

Digital currencies have become a particular concern for regulators because of their cross-border capabilities and ease of instant global transfers, which authorities say make them attractive to financial criminals.