Police have been criticized by former football star Trent Merrin who is accused of attempting to steal an alleged $91,000 of cryptocurrency in an act involving a former teammate.
The complaint was further investigated and the complaint led to the arrest of Merrin on the allegation of fraudulently acquiring a monetary gain through deceit.
According to the police, Merrin stole digital assets of his former teammate Kade Ellis worth $91,000. Merrin and his lawyer, Paul McGirr, refute the allegations and say that Merrin paid Ellis seven times the invested money. The legal department of Merrin stressed that they will defend him completely in court.
Allegations and arrest
According to Ellis, who reportedly told the police about the matter almost a year prior, Merrin persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency in 2021. As outlined in the complaint, Merrin accessed the Bitcoin wallet, and he was free to transfer the money. The police confiscated some of the electronic devices in the possession of Merrin that forensic investigators will analyze as long as the investigation continues.
Merrin was brought to the Police Station at Lake Illawarra where he was charged. His attorney had said that Merrin will strongly fight the claims. As McGirr emphasized, Merrin had already paid documented money to Ellis who had invested in the company seven times more than he had. He also remarked the lack of the written agreements where he emphasized that a contract is essential in any business transactions.
Part of the contested money has been reported to have been linked to the Freeze Yourself ice bath business owned by Merrin. Since his retirement in 2021, Merrin has been involved in the cryptocurrency community and tends to call himself a cryptocurrency enthusiast on LinkedIn. He was released on conditional bail and will appear at Port Kembla Local Court on the 3rd in December.
Background of the involved players
Trent Merrin has played as a back-rower in Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons. In 2017, he attracted the media attention due to his separation with a long-term partner. Kade Ellis has had a total of nine games with Penrith in the period between 2018 and 2019, and 18 games with St George Illawarra in two years. In 2022, Ellis became part of Wigan Warriors and made 124 appearances, winning the grand final in 2023 and 2024. He has also played 250 matches on behalf of New South Wales and Australian national team.
The case notes an increasing question-mark on cryptocurrency investments and controversies within the sports and business circles. Law enforcement is still investigating, and a defense of Merrin will be extremely monitored as soon as the case goes to court.
