A man wanted in California has been arrested in Ontario after allegedly scamming a used car seller in Uxbridge. Durham Regional Police announced the arrest on Wednesday, detailing a scheme that involved pouring engine oil onto a vehicle's engine to simulate a serious mechanical problem.
The Scam Unfolds
According to police, the victim had listed their vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace and arranged to meet with the suspect on April 27. During a test drive, the suspect allegedly poured engine oil onto the engine while an accomplice distracted the seller. The suspects then claimed the engine was blown and leaking oil, significantly reducing the vehicle's value. The victim, believing the vehicle was defective, agreed to sell it for substantially less than the original asking price.
Vehicle Relisted at Higher Price
Police later discovered that the vehicle was relisted on Facebook Marketplace on May 1 at nearly its original price. The listing also showed an odometer reading that was approximately half of the legitimate mileage, indicating odometer tampering.
Charges and Warrants
Mogos Constantin, 38, of Romania, faces multiple charges including fraud over $5,000, mischief, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, trafficking property obtained by crime over $5,000, altering an odometer, and using an unauthorized license plate. Police noted that Constantin also uses the alias Catalin Ionascu and was wanted on multiple warrants by the San Jose Police Department in California. He was held pending a bail hearing.
Police Appeal for Information
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information about this or similar incidents to contact Det. Const. Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.
Related Incident: Assault Near Union Station
In a separate case, Toronto police are seeking public help to identify a suspect in an assault near Union Station. On Thursday, May 6, at around 8:14 a.m., a man allegedly shoved a victim as they were leaving Union Station in the Bay Street and Front Street West area. The victim fell and sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is described as white, approximately 5-foot-6, with brown hair, and was last seen wearing a dark-colored jacket walking south on Bay Street. Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
