Suspects stole $2.2 million worth of merchandise from semi trucks in motion, police say

Canadian police have arrested one man in connection with a series of major cargo thefts targeting semi trucks that were in operation in the Toronto area.

Marius Ionescu, 36, has been charged with two counts of Theft over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offense, and Robbery, according to Peel Regional Police.

Additionally, warrants have been issued for Florian Porumbita, 29, and Florian Porumbita (same name), 27.

Police say that the three suspects were involved in a series of cargo thefts that took place in Mississauga and Oakville in May and June 2024.

From Peel Regional Police:

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the suspects of this investigation were in the area of North Service Road in Mississauga, closely following a Purolator Tractor-Trailer in a vehicle of their own. They breached the trailer to get onboard the transport truck while it was in motion, with the intent of committing theft. Once onboard, the suspects stole $1,800,000.00 worth of merchandise, and managed to get off the trailer while it was stopped at a red light.

On Monday, June 10, 2024, the suspects were in the area of Creditview Road and Burnhamthorpe Road West in Mississauga, and used a similar set of techniques to distract the driver of another Purolator Tractor-Trailer, while it was in motion, with the same intent to commit theft. During this instance, the suspects stole $300,000.00 worth of electronics. Once again, the suspects got off the trailer when it was stopped at a red light and fled. 

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the suspects were in the area of Hogan Drive and Britannia Road West in Mississauga and attempted to use a cube van, and a passenger van to force a tractor trailer to make an abrupt stop in an attempt to board it. The trailer was loaded with $1.2 million worth of cellular phones. They were not successful in their attempt as the driver continued to operate the tractor trailer, and was aware of the suspect’s presence.   

On Friday, June 28 2024, the suspects were in the area of Trafalgar Road and Burnhamthorpe Road in the Town of Oakville when they attempted to board a tractor trailer which was loaded with electronics such as TV’s, laptops and printers. The suspects were confronted by the driver, at which time one of the suspects threated violence by acts and gestures, the driver did not back down and the suspects fled the scene. No firearm was seen on any parties. $120,000 worth of electronics was stolen.

If you have information on the cargo theft incidents, you’re asked to call Central Robbery Bureau at (905)453-2121 ext. 3410.