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Two charged with distraction theft after grandmother and child targeted near Highway 401

Toronto police say Constantin Porumbita and Bianca Mitran were charged with robbery and participating in a criminal organization. Police released their photos and are seeking additional victims.

· 2 min read · HOC Toronto Desk
Two charged with distraction theft after grandmother and child targeted near Highway 401
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Toronto police have charged two people with robbery and participating in a criminal organization following a distraction theft in which a grandmother and her grandchild were allegedly targeted.

The incident occurred on the morning of May 18 near Culford Road and Falstaff Avenue, just south of Highway 401 and west of Keele Street. According to police, the woman and child were walking when a man allegedly lured the child toward a van while a woman distracted the grandmother. The pair stole their jewelry and fled.

Constantin Porumbita, 41, was scheduled to appear in Toronto court on June 30. Bianca Mitran, also 41, was scheduled to appear on July 13. Both are Toronto residents.

Investigators released photos of the suspects because they believe there could be additional victims of the same pair.

The facts

Who was charged in this distraction theft case?

Constantin Porumbita, 41, and Bianca Mitran, 41, both Toronto residents, were charged with robbery and participating in a criminal organization.

When and where did the theft occur?

The incident occurred on May 18, 2026, near Culford Road and Falstaff Avenue, just south of Highway 401 and west of Keele Street in Toronto.

What did the suspects steal?

The suspects stole jewelry from a grandmother and her grandchild during the distraction theft near Highway 401.