The Winnipeg Police Service Property Crime Unit conducted a six-month fencing investigation that identified the workings of an organized network responsible for the theft, trafficking, and resale of stolen tools throughout Winnipeg. Three people were arrested.
The investigation began after police identified an increase in power tool thefts from home renovation stores across the city. Investigators determined that these stolen tools were then being sold to individuals who then resold the items online.
On October 27, 2026, police arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the theft of $4,100 worth of tools and other merchandise from home renovation stores between September 4 and October 25, 2026.
He is facing the following charges and was released on an Undertaking:
- Theft Under $5000 x 6
Two additional suspects were identified as buyers of the stolen property who would then “fence” the stolen goods by re-selling them via online buy & sell platforms.
On October 28, 2026, these two suspects were arrested while conducting a transaction involving stolen property advertised on an online platform.
A search warrant executed at a residence in a St. Vital neighbourhood resulted in the seizure of $140,000 worth of stolen items and approximately $3,200 in Canadian currency.
A 34-year-old man, Ruslan MYKULA, and a 61-year-old woman, Liubov MYKULA have been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Ruslan MYKULA was detained in custody and Liubov MYKULA was released on an Undertaking.
This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information can call the Property Crime Unit at 204-986-2426 or the WPS Crime Tip Line at 204-986-6178.