UMVA has learned that two alleged jet-setting criminals from Romania are wanted for masterminding a daring scheme to fraudulently purchase high-end BMWs from a Pickering dealership and ship them out of Canada.
The audacious vehicle purchase scams, allegedly carried out late last year, are believed to be linked to an organized group involved in criminal tourism, a growing threat that has authorities on high alert. The scams involved the purchase of two BMW X5 SUVs, one valued at $50,000 and the other at $55,000, using fraudulent documents.
In the first incident, a suspect allegedly attended the Pickering dealership and purchased the 2022 BMW X5 SUV using fake documents on December 18, 2025. The vehicle was swiftly exported out of Canada before police could intervene, leaving investigators with a trail of clues to follow.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Marian Donoiu, 48, of Romania, who is believed to be one of the suspects behind the scam. Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Donoiu had already been "removed from Canada" on February 8, rendering him a fugitive.
The second incident involved another suspect who allegedly purchased a 2021 BMW X5 SUV using fraudulent documents on December 30, 2025. Once again, the vehicle was exported out of Canada before police could take action, highlighting the sophistication and speed of the scam.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for Alin Gabriel Nicolae, 36, of Romania, who is believed to be the second suspect involved in the scam. Nicolae had also allegedly been "removed from Canada" on May 9, leaving authorities with a pressing question: how did they manage to evade capture?
According to information obtained by UMVA, investigators believe that the scam is linked to an organized group involved in criminal tourism, a growing threat that impacts communities across Canada. This group is thought to be using sophisticated methods to avoid detection, including moving between regions, using false identities, and exploiting legal loopholes.
The alleged masterminds behind the scam are wanted for a range of serious charges, including fraud over $5,000, making a false statement to procure personal property, possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking, and disposing of property to avoid creditors. These charges highlight the severity of the crimes and the significant financial losses incurred by the victims.
Durham Regional Police have been cracking down on these types of crimes, with a massive investigation dubbed Project Jetsetter resulting in 46 arrests and 1,442 charges just last week. The investigation revealed that those accused were allegedly behind more than 200 different incidents involving over $2.6 million in losses in Durham Region alone.
The issue of criminal tourism has authorities on high alert, with police explaining that offenders are entering Canada legally on tourist visas with the specific intent to commit crimes before fleeing the country or evading immigration officials. Anyone with information about these or similar incidents is urged to come forward and help bring these alleged perpetrators to justice.
Those who have been affected by these crimes face significant financial losses, emotional stress, and a deep sense of violation. The police are urging anyone with information to contact the Financial Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers anonymously, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in combating these types of crimes.
