A group of men spent months targeting private vehicle sellers across Alberta showing up in groups, sabotaging the cars right in front of the sellers, then spending hours arguing the price down. Police have now charged six of them.
The Edmonton Police Service announced Monday that Constantin Dumitru, 26, Tiberius Grigore, 34, Cosmin Mustata, 26, Remus Rafaila, 32, Orlando Turcan, 24, and Florin Constantin, 39, face a combined 33 charges including fraud over $5,000, mischief over $5,000, and uttering a forged document.
How the Scam Worked
The scheme followed a consistent pattern. Buyers would arrive in groups of two or three, often claiming to be siblings one of whom urgently needed a vehicle. While one distracted the seller, another tampered with the car. They'd then point out a suddenly discovered problem: a blown head gasket, oil mixing into the coolant reservoir, something serious-sounding.
From there, they'd argue. EPS says suspects pressured sellers for up to two hours before getting them to drop the price. In some cases, they forced cash into sellers' hands before anyone could think twice, or simply drove off with the seller's license plate still attached.
None of the vehicles had any of the claimed issues before the buyers arrived.
Police say the group deliberately spread their activity across multiple jurisdictions Edmonton, Calgary, Sherwood Park, Leduc, and Thorsby to avoid detection. At least 13 victims have been identified so far, none of whom realized they'd been scammed until police contacted them.
What Happened to the Vehicles
In October 2025, officers executed a search warrant at a south Edmonton residence after traffic complaints, seizing nine vehicles connected to the address. Investigators say the fraudulently purchased vehicles were re-registered using forged documents including falsified odometer readings and used in other crimes.
Two Suspects Still Wanted
Four of the six men have been charged; two remain wanted on province-wide warrants. EPS released photos of Florin Constantin, 39, and three others still outstanding. Anyone with information on their whereabouts can call EPS at 780-423-4567, dial #377 from a mobile phone, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or p3tips.com/250.
Selling a Vehicle? Read This First
EPS is urging private sellers to take precautions:
You're never obligated to complete a sale. End the interaction if something feels off.
Don't meet in secluded locations use an EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zone or an automotive garage you choose.
Bring someone with you, or at minimum tell someone where you're going and who you're meeting.
Ask for photo ID and photograph it.
Screenshot all communications and your listing details.
Fill out a bill of sale and keep a copy. A standard form is available free at alberta.ca.
