Durham Regional Police have dealt a major blow to organized crime tourism, announcing a sweeping investigation that has led to 46 arrests and a staggering 1,442 criminal charges. Dubbed Project Jetsetter, the probe targeted a Romanian crime network responsible for over 200 incidents across the region, causing more than $2.6 million in losses.
Massive Investigation Uncovers Widespread Theft
Police revealed that the gang, comprising men and women of various ages, engaged in a wide range of criminal activities. These included large-scale retail theft, vehicle purchasing scams, financing fraud, staged collisions for insurance claims, jewelry distraction thefts, and the theft and exportation of vehicles and other goods. The investigation spanned from 2019 to 2026, accumulating over 5,000 hours of detective work.
Targeting the Vulnerable
Chief Peter Moreira highlighted that seniors were particularly targeted through distraction thefts. Suspects would approach elderly victims asking for directions, then offer a hug or a gift such as a fake necklace while swapping it for the victim's real gold jewelry. Jewelry distraction thefts against seniors in Durham have surged by 268%.
Cross-Jurisdictional Crime Spree
Detective Brad Chapman noted that the suspects frequently travel between jurisdictions, committing crimes and often leaving the country before being identified. Many enter Canada claiming asylum or refugee status, then begin stealing almost immediately upon arrival. Some have even changed their identities and returned to commit further offenses.
Call for Stronger Border Controls
Chief Moreira expressed frustration, stating that what was uncovered is just the tip of the iceberg. He urged the federal government to address the issue decisively. A Canada Border Services Agency source added that many criminals enter the United States first and then slip into Canada illegally. The source emphasized the need for stronger checks abroad, such as fingerprinting, to deny visas to known offenders.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation continues, and police have issued 164 arrest warrants for suspects still at large. Anyone with information is urged to contact Const. Tucker at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5373 or email fraud@drps.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
This bust follows a similar operation in Hamilton in December, where a multi-jurisdictional task force dismantled a highly sophisticated retail theft gang operating in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. In that case, two of the 21 accused had already fled to Romania.
