Joint Auto-Theft Investigation with Halton Regional Police

Region of Peel –  Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, with the assistance of Halton Regional Police, have arrested one man and issued warrants for two others following an investigation.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the suspects of this investigation were in the area of North Service Road in the city of 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 $1,800,000.00 worth of merchandise and managed to get off the trailer while it was stopped at a red light.

On Monday, June 10, 2024, the suspects were in the area of Creditview Road and Burnhamthorpe Road West in the city of Mississauga. They used similar techniques to distract the driver of another tractor-trailer while it was in motion, with the same intent to commit theft. During this instance, the suspects stole $300,000.00 worth of electronics. Once again, the suspects exited the trailer when it was stopped at a red light and fled.

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the suspects were in the area of Hogan Drive and Britannia Road West in the city of 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 28, 2024, the suspects were in the area of Trafalgar Road and Burnhamthorpe Road in the Town of 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 Halton Regional Police, identified the following suspects in connection to these incidents.

Marius Ionescu, a 36-year-old man from 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.

The investigation is continuing, and investigators will be attempting to locate and arrest the outstanding suspects. Additionally, warrants for arrest have been issued for the outstanding suspects:

• Florian Porumbita, a 29-year-old man from Scarborough
• Florian Porumbita (same name), a 27-year-old man from Scarborough

Investigators from Peel Regional Police are thankful for the support and investigative efforts by Halton Regional Police. The outcome of this investigation was a result of a successful collaboration and joined investigative efforts by both services.

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.

For media inquiries, please contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer at (905) 453-2121, ext. 4027.

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N/R: 24-225
Occ#: PR240175378

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