Peterborough OPP have arrested three men—two from Durham and one from Scarborough—following an attempted online vehicle scam in Selwyn Township.
The victim had listed a vehicle for sale online when the suspects contacted them to view it. On February 7, the men inspected the car and requested a test drive. Upon returning, they claimed the vehicle had oil in the engine compartment and exhaust, stating it needed extensive repairs, and offered a much lower purchase price.
The seller, aware the car was in good condition, removed it from the market after repeated lowball offers. Police were called, leading to the arrest of all three suspects.
Investigators discovered the vehicle the suspects were driving was recently purchased and connected to a similar incident in another area. The driver could not provide a valid license or insurance, and the license plates belonged to a different vehicle.
Charges:
Marius Zorila, 31, Pickering: fraud over $5,000, mischief under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, fail to surrender license, no insurance card, fail to display two plates.
Constantin Tanase, 26, Scarborough: fraud over $5,000, mischief under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Michael Tanase, 22, Ajax: fraud over $5,000, mischief under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
All three suspects were released under conditions, and the investigation remains ongoing.
