Investigation into ‘criminal tourism’ leads to 46 arrests, 164 wanted, including 77 Romanians

Multiple major investigations into organized ‘criminal tourism’ activity in Durham Region and across the GTA has resulted in 46 arrests and 164 more wanted by police in an initiative dubbed ‘Project Jetsetter.’

The investigation targeted organized groups travelling to Canada for the purpose of executing high-profit crimes, often connected to international criminal networks, with 77 of the those caught up in the investigation from Romania.

“These activities are deliberate, coordinated, and profit-driven; not random or opportunistic, said Durham Police, who head up the investigation, in a statement.

Through more than nine separate investigations and more than 5,000 investigative hours, the Durham Police Financial Crimes Unit tracked more than 200 incidents tied to criminal tourism, resulting in more than $2.61 million in confirmed financial losses in Durham Region alone.

Investigations have identified a wide range of organized criminal activity, including large-scale retail theft operations, vehicle purchasing scams, vehicle financing fraud, staged collisions for insurance fraud, jewelry distraction thefts, and the theft and exportation of vehicles and other goods. These offences are “structured, repeatable, and designed to maximize financial gain,” the statement read.

“Of particular concern is the significant increase in jewelry distraction thefts, where suspects use coordinated distraction techniques to steal valuables from victims in public or on private property. Police have seen these incidents rise dramatically, with victims – often seniors – targeted through deception-based approaches such as offering assistance or gifts while removing jewelry.”

“These incidents have a significant impact on our communities, businesses, and vulnerable individuals, including seniors, affecting both financial security and personal safety.”

As a result of the investigations, 46 individuals have been arrested and 164 suspects remain wanted. The investigations connected to Project Jetsetter date back to 2019, involve more than 1,440 charges, and remain ongoing as investigators continue to identify additional incidents linked to criminal tourism.

A dozen of those charged or wanted by police are from Durham Region – including eight from Oshawa – with a dozen more from India.

Eight of those on the list hail from Toronto, with another five from Brampton and one from Mississauga.

Durham Police is continuing to work closely with policing partners, including the RCMP, to track offenders across jurisdictions, share intelligence, and disrupt these networks at both the local and national level.

“Criminal tourism is a recent, borderless form of organized crime that impacts the daily lives of Canadians and underscores the need for strong global partnerships,” said RCMP National Intelligence Director General Mario Panizzon. “Our intelligence program works closely with our policing partners to connect the dots and enhance public safety.”

Police are cautioning residents and business owners to remain vigilant, reminding them criminal tourism often targets situations where individuals may be distracted or where safeguards are limited.

“Public awareness is an important part of preventing these types of crimes,” added Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira. “By recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious behaviour, residents can help reduce opportunities for offenders and support ongoing investigations.”

For a full list of those charged or wanted in the Project Jetsetter investigations, visit https://www.drps.ca/media/rvejkuh0/project-jetsetter_chargelist.pdf.

If you have any information about these suspects and their whereabouts or related incidents, contact police or visit: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/fraud-and-financial-crimes/

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cst. Tucker of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5373 or email [email protected]

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.