MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Seven individuals have been arrested and two more are wanted in connection to a fraudulent auto transaction scheme involving over $373,000 in high-value vehicles, according to the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau.
Between January 30 and February 27, 2025, Ankur Bhatiani, 42, of Oakville, a sales associate at a Mississauga auto dealership, allegedly facilitated the fraudulent sale of ten vehicles. The fraud involved the use of forged documents and coordinated efforts to unlawfully purchase cars and SUVs, which were intended to be shipped out of the country. Fortunately, all ten vehicles were recovered in Ontario.
Following an extensive investigation, Bhatiani was arrested on April 29 and charged with:
Fraud Over $5,000
Use of Forged Documents
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Six additional individuals were later charged with Fraud Over $5,000:
Andreea Olivia Paulet, 24, of Richmond Hill
Daiana Ionela Necula, 25, of Scarborough
Ion Cristea, 40, of Toronto
Ilarion Rupita, 34, of Oshawa
Vialis-Aramis Curt, 30, of Brampton
Andreea Gabriela Pisla, 25, of Brampton
All were released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
Two additional suspects remain at large and are wanted for Fraud Over $5,000 and Uttering Forged Documents:
Cristian Filip, 34
Rafael Gabriel Chirita, 22
Police say the case is a clear example of organized auto theft, and the arrests have made a significant impact on curbing this criminal activity in the Region of Peel.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Peel Regional Police or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
