(Laval) Suspected criminals believed by the police to be linked to Romanian organized crime were recently arrested for shoplifting committed in Quebec, the value of which is said to amount to more than $70,000.
The Laval Police Service (SPL) Post Investigations Squad, which made the arrests, expects that the uncovering of such records will prompt other merchants to report other thefts that may have been committed by these bandits.
The police investigation revealed last March a shoplifting scheme committed in electronics stores. Links were then established with other suspects operating in both Quebec and Ontario who were targeting stores selling computer hardware, clothing and sports equipment, as well as luxury clothing.
Thanks to the collaboration of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), several suspects were identified and SPL police officers carried out a search in the Chomedey district which led to the seizure of $15,000 in cash, as well as 40 $000 of stolen materials destined for export to Romania.
Laval police say they were able to establish that the suspects of Romanian origin were staying in Canada after submitting an asylum application. They would then fly for a few months before leaving the country.
Laurentiu Baicu, aged 37, remains detained following his arrest. Tiberius Léonard Miron, 40, was released with conditions following his appearance.
Claudia Macu, Vijai Alexe and Ionel Nitu, aged between 32 and 42, were released with conditions.
Valter Ionut Alexe, 29, and Timotei Ion, 27, are still wanted by the police and an arrest warrant has been issued in their names. The suspects face multiple counts of shoplifting over $5,000 and receiving stolen goods over $5,000.
Deportations to Romania may be ordered by authorities in connection with these criminal activities in Canada.
In the meantime, the Laval police invite anyone who has been the victim of shoplifting or who has information on this network of thieves to contact them.