5 charged, 2 wanted as cops probe distraction thefts targeting elderly
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Toronto Police have laid 96 charges against five people, while two more male suspects are still at large in an elderly distraction theft investigation.
On Nov. 12, cops arrested three women and two men after the suspects were allegedly at several banks and retail stores for the purpose of conducting distraction thefts between Dec. 10, 2023, and Oct. 19.
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Authorities said the suspects allegedly targeted elderly victims using various techniques to obtain PINs and steal wallets and bank cards. They would then allegedly go to banks to withdraw funds from the victims’ accounts to fraudulently purchase pre-paid credit cards, which were then used to buy luxury items and electronics.
A search warrant was conducted and eight iPhone 15 Pro Maxes, 50 smart watches, 56 bottles of designer perfume, 21 fraudulent pre-paid Vanilla Credit Cards totaling $10,500, $23,000 in cash, lock-picking tools, 32 OLG Pro-Line tickets, two foil-lined booster bags and multiple fraudulent passports were allegedly seized.
In addition, four fraudulently obtained vehicles were allegedly identified as being shipped overseas, totaling about $250,000.
Among those charged were Constantin Florian, 39, of Montreal, who faces 67 charges; Virgil Barbu, 44, of Laval, Que., who faces 22 charges; Aura-Floria Florian, 40, of no fixed address, who faces four charges; Dumitrita Pauniou, 49, of Milton, who faces two charges; and Andreea Popa, 32, of no fixed address, who faces one charge.
Still wanted by police are Vasile-Virgil Rata, 46, and Eugen Catruna, 52, both of no fixed address, who face a combined 26 charges.
The investigation is ongoing and investigators anticipate additional charges being laid. Police also believe there may be more elderly people who have been victimized by this group.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or 222tips.com.
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