Two individuals have been apprehended by Toronto police for their involvement in a distraction theft at a shopping plaza in Scarborough. The incident occurred on Sept. 16 near Eglinton Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue.
The suspects, identified as a 39-year-old man named Ion Stan and a 25-year-old woman named Armeanca Fardi, targeted an elderly man outside his vehicle. They engaged in a physical altercation, with one of the accused offering the victim money and a watch. When the victim refused, they forcibly took his Rolex watch, resulting in injuries to his arm and hand. The culprits then fled the scene in a dark-colored van.
Ion Stan has been charged with robbery and multiple counts of failing to comply with recognizance, while Armeanca Fardi faces charges of robbery, failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with a probation order. Both suspects were set to appear in court in October 2025.
Police suspect that there may be additional victims and have shared images of the suspects to raise public awareness. Stan is described as five-foot-nine with a heavy build, while Fardi is described as five-foot-four with a medium build and dyed blonde hair. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.