Two arrested for string of distraction thefts targeting residents in Peel and the GTA

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Published July 1, 2020 at 1:43 pm

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Police have made two arrests in a joint forces theft and fraud investigation.

Between March 8 and June 11, 2020, Toronto police say two men were involved in a series of distraction thefts in the areas of Peel, Halton, Toronto, Guelph, Niagara, Durham, and Barrie.

It’s believed that the two men would approach other drivers and tell them they were having trouble with their car.

One man would then distract the victim while the other would steal personal items, such as debit/credit cards which were used to make purchases and withdraw money, police say.

46 year old Burlington man Constantin Liteanu and 35 year old Vaughan man Laurentiu Avram were arrested. Avram was arrested by Montreal Police in Laval, Quebec.

Liteanu is charged with:

  • Three counts of Theft of a Credit Card
  • 23 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
  • Four counts of Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data
  • 23 counts of Fraud Under $5,000
  • 13 counts of Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
  • 11 counts of Theft Under $5,000
  • 12 counts of Possess/Use Credit Card Obtained by Crime

Avram is charged with:

  • Three counts of Theft of a Credit Card
  • 23 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
  • Four counts of Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data
  • 23 counts of Fraud Under $5,000
  • 13 counts of Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
  • 11 counts of Theft Under $5,000
  • 12 counts of Possess/Use Credit Card Obtained by Crime

Liteanu appeared in court on Friday, June 12, while Avram is scheduled to appear in court later this week.

Photos: Toronto Police handout

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