Accused cat burglar Di Miao spent his nights stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in luxury goods from wealthy Asian targets across Melbourne, a court has heard.
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Mr Miao, a Crown Casino high roller, allegedly donned a dark wig before he broke into homes in the city's premier suburbs.
When detectives raided his house after an 18-month investigation, they allegedly discovered an Aladdin's Cave of more than 200 stolen items.
Among them were pearls, jade, Prada and Hermes bags, watches from Vacheron Constantin, Saint Laurent and Dior purses, Chanel sunglasses and Louis Vuitton luggage.
In the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday Mr Miao, 52, faced 58 charges linked to a spree of robberies at Clayton, Burwood, Kew and Balwyn North between 2013 and 2015. He was arrested on February 27, 2015.
After argument from Mr Miao's counsel, Magistrate Suzanne Cameron threw out 14 charges, but committed him to stand trial on the rest. Mr Miao pleaded not guilty.
He targeted high-net-worth individuals in the Asian community, the court heard.
Police say he disguised himself with a wig before forcing security doors and slashing security screens to break into properties.
Among one $60,000 haul from one victim in Burwood, Mr Miao allegedly stole a Cartier platinum engagement ring, Gucci handbag and wallet, Burberry wallet and a bottle of Moët champagne.
Another victim in Balwyn North allegedly lost about $100,000 worth of property including jewellery and men's clothing.
Police allege Mr Miao was a regular at Crown Casino where he spent large sums gambling. His bail conditions ban him from visiting the venue.
Since news of his arrest broke, Mr Miao's house had been egged and his car had been vandalised, his counsel Pat Doyle told the court. Mr Doyle asked the court to ban the media from publishing Mr Miao's address.
An 18-month investigation by Monash Crime Investigation Unit detectives codenamed Dissatisfy, including covert surveillance, eventually led to a raid on Mr Miao's home on February 27, 2015.
Police say they tailed Mr Miao on November 26, 2014, as he cased houses in Balwyn. After parking his car in a backstreet Mr Miao donned a wig before scouting out several nearby streets.
Hours later, on the morning of November 27, a watch worth $40,000, $6000 in cash and personal documents were stolen from a house nearby.
Police also say they found Mr Miao's DNA at the scene of four other burglaries. Police claim he left behind a water bottle with his DNA on the nozzle in one house.
Mr Doyle argued the length of time between the alleged burglaries and the discovery of items in Mr Miao's house meant that it was unlikely the goods were linked to the crime.
Mr Miao emigrated to Australia from China in 1993 and is now an Australian citizen.
His will appear for a directions hearing on August 23 at the Melbourne County Court.
