The Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate multiple incidents of distraction thefts that have occurred primarily in the south end of the city. As previously released, these criminals often use different distraction techniques to steal money, wallets, and jewelry from unsuspecting victims.
In past incidents, suspects approached elderly victims outside retail stores and in surface parking lots. The suspects are now attending residential neighbourhoods and approaching victims on their property. The encounters are becoming increasingly aggressive and physical in nature.
During the month of September, the following incidents were reported to police:
- September 18 at 11:19 a.m.: A dark coloured SUV pulled up to a residence on Drake Boulevard and under the guise of praying for an ill family member, a female suspect placed fake jewelry in the victim’s hands (distraction), and stole two rings and a necklace the victim was wearing.
- September 23 at 1:35 p.m.: A dark coloured SUV pulled up to a victim on Bridgeland Drive South. One of the suspects approached, attempted to hug the victim (distraction), and stole a bracelet the victim was wearing.
- September 27 at 6:25 p.m.: An elderly couple was approached by a vehicle on John Bruce Road. A male suspect approached the male victim while the female suspect attempted a close physical encounter with the female victim, replacing the jewelry she was wearing with counterfeit jewelry.
The suspects appeared to be South Asian and spoke Hindi in two of the above-mentioned incidents.
Investigators believe the suspects are targeting elderly victims that are not fluent in English and whom they have identified as wearing high valued gold jewelry.
The traveling distraction crime group, travel intra-provincially using rental vehicles, typically with Quebec, Alberta, or B.C. license plates. From previous investigations, this group is known to use motels on outskirts of the city and in rural areas as their base of operation and commit thefts within nearby populated areas.
Investigators believe there may be other similar distraction theft incidents throughout the city that may not have been reported. The WPS reminds the public to be vigilant when encountering these groups and report the incidents to police so that they may be investigated, even if nothing was stolen.
Information such as suspect description, interaction details, make and model of vehicles including license plates can assist investigators in identifying and arresting suspects. Pictures of suspects and/or their vehicles can be instrumental information to the investigations.
Anyone with information, or with security, cellular phone, or dashcam video regarding similar incidents, is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org
Public assistance requested re: wanted male in connection to jewelry thefts: C25-177805
The Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate the August 1, 2025 theft of jewelry from a 29-year-old man in the 500 block of Toronto Street and. The suspect in this investigation remains outstanding and investigators are seeking public assistance for information that could lead to his arrest.
As previously released:
Central District patrol officers learned the man had been walking his dog when he was approached by a suspect carrying costume jewelry and a gift — a common tactic used by travelling jewelry scam and distraction crime groups.
The suspect used a distraction technique to remove a valuable gold chain from the man's neck and replace it with a fake one. After realizing what was happening, the man confronted the suspect. The suspect fled in a vehicle, causing the man to fall and sustain minor injuries.
**Wanted**
Ionut-Vasile BIVOLARU (31), pictured above, remains at large. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of BIVOLARU, or believes they may have interacted with him is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219, anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS, or online by emailing winnipegcrimestoppers.org
The Winnipeg Police Service is providing public awareness after receiving numerous fraud and theft reports believed to involve a travelling criminal organization operating in Winnipeg.
The nature of these scams is not new, but the methods vary and have been previously addressed by WPS and reported across Canada.
Citizens are approached by unknown suspects in public areas such as gas stations, banks, grocery stores, casinos and mall parking lots, usually during daytime hours.
The strangers strike up a conversation and ask for directions, or request some money to help pay for their gas. In exchange for the victim’s kindness they offer them gold jewelry (which end up being fake and of no real value).
In another scenario, the suspects use distraction techniques and physically remove a person’s jewelry during their encounter. It is not until their encounter is over that victim’s realize their valuable jewelry has been stolen.
- Suspects travel in groups, often in vehicles with out-of-province license plates
- Suspects have been reported conversing with their victims in various languages, including English, French, and Hindi
- They are often accompanied by children, which may be used to lower suspicion
- Incidents occur during daylight hours and public areas and residential neighbourhoods
These individuals prey on your kindness. Keep jewelry well hidden, and if approached in a similar manner, decline the request, avoid engagement, and make a police report.
Do not to give money or accept items/gifts under these circumstances.