11 suspects identified, over 80 charges laid in Hamilton distraction theft case

A two-month investigation into distraction thefts targeting seniors in Hamilton has led to more than 80 charges against 11 people police allege are associated with a criminal network.

Hamilton police say they had recorded 96 distraction thefts by November 2025 — exceeding the total combined number of such incidents between 2021-24.

This sharp increase prompted investigators to launch Project Heirloom in an effort to identify those responsible for deliberately distracting seniors in retail stores, parking lots, and public spaces in order to steal wallets, jewelry, and banking information.

“Early in the investigation, detectives identified consistent patterns among the suspects,” Hamilton police wrote in a media release Friday.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police seek four suspects after distraction theft caught on camera

“Many were based in the Scarborough area, relied on short-term rental accommodations, and used rental vehicles that were frequently changed, making tracking difficult.”

Officers say they also learned that the suspects would travel to Hamilton for “single-day theft sprees” and then leave the city for weeks at a time to commit similar offences elsewhere in southern Ontario.

“Despite these challenges, investigators successfully identified two residences connected to the criminal network and executed search warrants, uncovering evidence of coordinated distraction-theft cells operating across multiple jurisdictions,” police say.

As a result, investigators were able to solve 10 distraction thefts.

On Nov. 8, 2025, three suspects allegedly targeted seniors at Food Basics on Mohawk Road East and later at nearby Mission Thrift Store on Upper Gage Avenue.

Police allege the suspects stole wallets and PIN information before withdrawing thousands of dollars from the victims’ bank accounts.

Forty-year-old Florian Stoian and 46-year-old Ana Marie Petrescu have been identified as the suspects and are wanted on 21 theft-related charges each. Both have been linked to similar offences across the country and are also wanted by Toronto and Halton police services.

Hamilton police say a witness intervened on Nov. 18, 2025 when they saw a distraction theft taking place at Food Basics on Barton Street East.

The suspects allegedly attempted to commit more thefts at two other grocery stores before leaving Hamilton.

Florin and Elvira Zmarandache, both aged 37, have been identified as the suspects. They were arrested following a search warrant in Scarborough and later released on conditions, which they are accused of breaching.

Investigators believe Florin and Elvira fled Canada after becoming wanted by Hamilton police for several counts of theft under $5,000 and proceeds of crime under $5,000.

Exactly one month later, two seniors reported having their wallets stolen while shopping at different unspecified stores. In both cases, they were distracted while suspects allegedly stole wallets from shopping carts and later used stolen bank cards to withdraw money and make purchases.

Forty-seven-year-old George and 46-year-old Gina Ungur are now wanted on multiple theft-related offences.

On Dec. 21, 2025, Hamilton police say a senior was robbed in a parking lot near Queen Street North.

The man was distracted by a woman who placed costume jewelry on him before she allegedly stole a Patek Philippe watch valued between CAD $250,000 and $325,000.

Investigators executed search warrants in Scarborough, where they recovered costume jewelry and luxury items purchased shortly after the robbery.

Geovani and 22-year-old Stefania Alesandru remain in custody and are facing several charges, including robbery.

Another senior was allegedly robbed on Jan. 6 in the parking lot of Starsky Fine Foods on Queenston Road after being approached by suspects offering costume jewelry.

Forty-year-old Nicolae Alexandru and 39-year-old Rozaura Sirbu are both wanted for robbery in connection with this incident.

Hamilton police tell CHCH News that one suspect has not yet been identified in connection with Project Heirloom. The investigation remains ongoing and officers believe there may be more victims.

“Hamilton police remind residents, particularly seniors, that legitimate strangers do not place jewelry on you, block your vehicle, or request assistance in store vestibules,” officers say.

“Residents are encouraged to create distance, refuse physical contact, seek help immediately, and contact police if they feel unsafe.”

Anyone with further information regarding this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-546-4925. Those who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police seek suspects after trio stole wallets in distraction thefts