Edmonton Police Charge Trio in Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace Theft Spree
Edmonton Police Service has announced charges against three individuals in connection with a disturbing series of thefts targeting users of popular online marketplaces Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. The incidents, which occurred between February and early March 2026, have prompted authorities to issue urgent safety warnings for anyone conducting transactions through these platforms.
Details of the Criminal Operation
According to police reports, the criminal operation involved suspects posing as buyers who would arrange meetings with sellers to examine high-value items such as Apple iPhones and computers. Once the meetings were established, the suspects would then rob the sellers using various intimidating tactics.
"In each incident, a suspect posting as a buyer meets with a seller, evaluates the item or items for sale, and then proceeds to rob the seller of the item," stated EPS in an official news release.
Police detailed that the robberies often involved the use of bear spray, verbal threats, or presentation of firearms. In some cases, multiple suspects participated in the robberies. Additionally, investigators noted that some incidents involved the sale of counterfeit iPhones to buyers or the use of fake currency during transactions.
The Arrests and Charges
Late last month, the EPS patrol and investigative response team made arrests in relation to eight separate incidents. The three individuals now facing charges are:
- Cody Bear, 18: Charged with 23 offenses including five counts of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, and five counts of possession of a weapon
- Delvoi Sadiki, 19: Facing six charges including two counts of robbery, two counts of assault with a weapon, and two counts of disguise with intent
- Arianna Mejia, 19: Charged with one count of robbery
These charges bring the total number of offenses to 30 across the three suspects. Police noted that this investigation follows earlier arrests on January 31, when three teen boys were charged with theft under $5,000 in one of the first reported incidents.
Scope of the Problem
Since mid-December, Edmonton police have received 53 reports of similar incidents. A significant portion of these robberies occurred in the Hillview and Richfield neighborhoods of Mill Woods, but investigators emphasize that these crimes are happening across the entire city.
"Investigators warn that these incidents are occurring all across the city, and are being committed by multiple people, and they're not always connected," police stated.
Police Safety Recommendations
In response to this troubling trend, Edmonton Police Service has issued comprehensive safety guidelines for anyone using online marketplaces:
- Always suggest meeting during daylight hours at one of the EPS buy and sell exchange zones
- Request photo identification from the other party and take a photograph of it for reference
- Take screenshots of the original advertisements, including the ID numbers
- Obtain contact information from both buyers and sellers
- Buyers should avoid disclosing their payment method to sellers
Police specifically warned that "if they become aware that you may be arriving with a large sum of cash, it becomes an opportunity for a personal robbery to take place."
The EPS emphasized the importance of trusting one's instincts during online transactions. "If you are buying or selling items on online platforms, remember to put your safety first and trust your instincts. If something feels off at any point, it probably is and it's best to abandon the transaction," advised authorities.
This case highlights the growing concern about criminal activity targeting users of popular online marketplaces and serves as a stark reminder for Edmonton residents to exercise extreme caution when arranging in-person transactions through these platforms.
