Durham police are issuing arrest warrants for two men wanted in connection with Project Jetsetter – an investigation into criminal tourism.
Both men are accused of buying SUVS from dealerships in Pickering using fake documents and then exporting the vehicles before the frauds were reported to police.
Police allege Marian Donoiu, 48, of Romania went to a dealership on December 18, 2025 and bought a 2022 BMW X5 SUV valued at $50,000. He was removed from Canada on February 8, 2026 and is now wanted for fraud over $5,000, make false statement to procure personal property, possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking and dispose of property to avoid creditors.
Alin Gabriel Nicolae, 36, of Romania is accused of buying a 2021 BMW X5 SUV valued at $55,000 at a dearlship on Tuesday, December 30, 2026 using fake documents. He was removed from Canada on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Nicolae is wanted for fraud over $5,000, make false statement to procure personal property, possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking and dispose of property to avoid creditors.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Taylor of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5283.
Investigators believe this scam is linked to an organized group involved in criminal tourism.
Criminal tourism is an emerging threat that impacts communities across Canada. Offenders are entering Canada legally on tourist visas with the specific intent to commit a multitude of crimes before either fleeing the country or evading immigration officials by overstaying their legal visa periods. Offenders are often part of a larger organized criminal network whose activities can include fraud, theft, property crime, identity theft, financial scams, and other organized crime behaviours. These criminal tourists are using sophisticated methods to avoid detection, including moving between regions, using false identities, and exploiting legal loopholes.
These crimes can have a severe impact on victims who face financial losses, emotional stress, and a deep sense of violation. DRPS through Project Jetsetter, alongside our policing partners are working diligently to identify, disrupt and hold these offenders accountable. If you encounter suspicious activities please report it to police immediately. This information can assist to prevent further victimization and exploitation.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Photos courtesy of Durham police
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