NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
*************************
Investigators with the York Regional Police Integrated Property Crime Task Force, with the assistance of the Canada Border Services Agency, have arrested seven people believed to be part of an organized crime group suspected in numerous distraction thefts, frauds and shoplifting incidents.
An investigation began in March 2020 into a number of frauds, thefts and distraction thefts that occurred throughout 2019 and 2020. Several of the incidents involved suspects filling shopping carts with groceries or liquor and walking out of the stores without paying. In other incidents, suspects matching similar descriptions sold or traded fake jewelry claiming that it was real. It is also believed that the suspects were involved in distraction-style thefts. In one incident, a victim was approached by two suspects asking for directions, who both then proceeded to steal the victim’s wallet.
Through the investigation, officers identified an organized network of suspects involved with multiple offences. The investigation is ongoing. York Regional Police is urging any additional victims of this type of theft to come forward.
Charged:
- Robert-Florin Manole, 42, of Toronto
Charges:
- Obstruct Police
- Theft Under $5000
- Fraud Under $5000
- Fraudulent Use of Credit Card x4
- Possession of Credit Card x4
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Theft - Shoplifting Under $5000 x2
- Fail to Comply with Release Order x2
Charged:
- Robert-Romario Stoian, 25, of Toronto
Charges:
- Theft Under $5000
- Fraud Under $5000 x2
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Fraudulent Use of Credit Card x4
Charged:
- Alexandra Maria Miclescu, 20, of Toronto
Charged:
- Theft - Shoplifting Under $5000 x10
- Fail to Comply with Release Order x8
Charged:
- Gheorghe Stoian, 18 of Toronto
Charges:
- Fraud Under $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Theft - Shoplifting Under $5000 x8
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Fail to Comply with Release Order x2
Charged:
- Alexandru-Ionut Firan, 29, of Toronto
Charges:
- Fraud Under $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Theft -Shoplifting Under $5000 x8
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
Charged:
- Dartalian Manuti, 39, of Toronto
Charges:
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
Charged:
- Paul-Ioan Feteanu, 25, of Toronto
Charges:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
York Regional Police is reminding residents to be cautious and protect themselves from distraction thefts. Always be alert and be aware of the actions people around you and call police immediately if you witness any suspicious people or activity. Criminals are opportunists. Don’t give them the opportunity to make you a victim of crime.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Financial and Organized Property Crimes Bureau at 1- 866-876-5423, ext. 7223 or 7449, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
*************************
