Winnipeg Police are investigating a series of fake jewelry scams and distraction thefts that occurred across the city in recent months. The suspects, believed to be linked to a travelling jewelry scam and distraction crime group, are known for using realistic counterfeit jewelry and frequently switching vehicles to avoid detection.
On June 26, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a man was parked in the 1400 block of Regent Avenue West, when he was approached by a suspect selling fake gold jewelry.
The suspect had a young child with him, and provided a fake story about needing money for travel, a commonly known ruse used by jewelry scam and distraction crime groups.
The man bought what he believed to be gold jewelry from the suspect, and upon discovering it was not genuine, contacted police.
The Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation, and identified Catalin FERARU (36) as a suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
On August 4, 2025 at 11:48 a.m., the investigation led to an address in the 1-99 block of 20th Street Southwest in Portage la Prairie, where FERRAU was taken into custody
FERARU has been charged with conspiracy to commit and indictable offence and fraud over $5000. He was detained in custody.
C25-177805
On August 1, 2025 at 12:55 police received a call regrading a suspect who had stolen jewelry from a 29-year-old man in the 500 block of Toronto Street.
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.
The Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation and has since identified Ionut-Vasile BIVOLARU (31) as a suspect. A warrant has been issued for his arrest (photo below).
**Wanted**
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ionut-Vasile 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
As previously released:
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 or what looks like an “iPhone” (all of 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
- They are often accompanied by children, which may be used to lower suspicion
- Incidents occur during daylight hours and in busy public areas
These individuals prey on your kindness. If approached in a similar manner, decline the request, avoid engagement, and make a police report.
Do not to give money or accept items under these circumstances.