Photo: Peel Police
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) assisted in busting a theft ring across the Greater Toronto Area.
On Tuesday, May 28th, suspects were in the area of North Service Road in Mississauga, closely following a tractor-trailer in their own vehicle. They breached the trailer to get on board the transport truck while it was in motion, intending to commit theft. Once onboard, the suspects stole $1.8 million worth of merchandise and managed to get off the trailer while it was stopped at a red light.
On Monday, June 10th, the suspects were in the area of Creditview Road and Burnhamthorpe Road West in Mississauga. They used similar techniques to distract the driver of another tractor-trailer while it was in motion. During this instance, the suspects stole $300,000 worth of electronics. Once again, the suspects exited the trailer when it was stopped at a red light and fled.
On Thursday, July 11th, the suspects were in the area of Hogan Drive and Britannia Road West in Mississauga and attempted to use a cube van and a passenger van to force a tractor-trailer to make an abrupt stop in an attempt to board it. The trailer was loaded with $1.2 million worth of cellular phones. They were unsuccessful in their attempt as the driver continued to operate the tractor-trailer and was aware of the suspect’s presence.
On Friday, June 28th, the suspects were in the area of Trafalgar Road and Burnhamthorpe Road in Oakville when they attempted to board a tractor-trailer loaded with electronics, such as TVs, laptops, and printers. The driver confronted the suspects, at which time one of the suspects threatened violence. The driver did not back down and the suspects fled the scene. $120,000 worth of electronics was stolen.
Peel Regional Police, in close collaboration with the HRPS, identified the following suspects in connection to these incidents.
36-year-old Marius Ionescu of Scarborough has been charged with the following offences:
- Theft over $5000.00 (x2)
- Conspiracy to Commit and Indictable Offence
- Robbery
He was held in custody for a bail hearing.
Warrants for arrest have been issued for the outstanding suspects:
- 29-year-old Florian Porumbita of Scarborough
- 27-year-old Florian Porumbita (same name) of Scarborough
The investigation is continuing, and officers will be attempting to locate and arrest the outstanding suspects.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact investigators with the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau at (905)453-2121 ext. 3313. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
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