In August 2025, police began an investigation into the activity of a group involved in property crime consisting of the theft of over $1,500 of goods from a local grocery store, as well as distraction-style thefts of gold jewelry.
On Aug. 12, 2025, in a combined effort, EPS, RCMP and Canadian Border Services Agency officers executed a search warrant in Strathcona County that resulted in the recovery of gold jewelry, imitation gold jewelry, a 2009 Mercedes ML350 that is associated to the commission of the offences, and more than $45,000 in proceeds of crime.
Officers arrested and charged Alexandra Calin, 36, Florentina Calin, 32 and Maricica Grecu, 23 with theft under $5000. Due to the random nature of the offences and the likelihood that there are additional victims, police are releasing the photos of these three accused in the hopes that it will empower complainants to come forward.
Alexandra Calin, 36
Florentina Calin, 32
Maricica Grecu, 23
Warrants were also issued for three additional people in relation to various thefts: Robert Pancu, 26, Rodica Panciu, 28 and Petre Calin, 28. Police are releasing their photos not only to encourage complainants to report additional instances of theft, but also to request public tips that may assist in locating these individuals.
Wanted: Robert Pancu, 26
Wanted: Rodica Panciu, 28
Wanted: Petre Calin, 28
While these six have been identified, investigators believe there may be other suspects involved in the overall trend of distraction-style thefts. Since May 2025, police have received at least 48 reports of thefts involving distraction techniques. The thieves typically approach complainants in parking lots, residential driveways or at the roadside and use various tactics to distract them. Recent reports indicate that the suspects may initiate contact and establish rapport with their victims, then either place jewellery on them or ask for a hug and remove the victim’s own jewelry during the interaction. The suspects typically operate in large family type groups, often including children.
Anyone with information about the three wanted individuals, or who has been victimized in a distraction-style theft is encouraged to contact police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
“The people involved in this organized crime have exploited the trust of Edmontonians and caused significant emotional turmoil for some of their victims,” says Cst. Shiva Shunmugam, with EPS Southwest Branch. “Investigators are dedicated to locating these individuals and bringing them to justice.”
Police are reminding Edmontonians to be vigilant if approached suddenly by strangers, in particular those who are trying to give away or sell something. “Don’t let strangers into your personal space or let them touch or hug you,” adds Cst. Shunmugam, “and if you feel someone is acting suspiciously, take down their license plate if it is safe to do so, and contact police.”