Fraud suspect in multiple Lower Mainland jurisdictions arrested and charged

Surrey

2024-05-02 16:56 PDT

File # 2024-8085

Surrey RCMP is advising the public that a suspect who committed multiple frauds throughout the Lower Mainland has been arrested and charged.

In January 2024, Surrey RCMP frontline responded to three separate complaints where people were selling merchandise on a social media platform and became victims of fraud. Some victims reported being shown an envelope of money when they met with the buyer, but later discovered they did not receive the agreed-upon payment. Surrey RCMP frontline officers took conduct of the files, as there were similarities in all three investigations.

Upon further review of these investigations, the officer found more files of the same nature in other cities in the Lower Mainland. This included Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, West Vancouver and Maple Ridge. Surrey RCMP officers took over all of the investigations, and were able to identify a suspect based on the evidence gathered. The primary investigator with Surrey RCMP frontline was in the process of completing a report to Crown Counsel when he received information that the suspect had been arrested by Toronto Police on April 8, 2024.

The officer was able to complete the report to Crown Counsel on an urgent basis which allowed a Canada wide warrant to be issued with transport custody to Surrey.

Forty-four-year-old Florian Dinca of Quebec is charged with two counts of fraud and nine counts of fraud over $5000. On April 28, 2024, Dinca was transferred to Surrey pre-trial and remains in custody until his next court appearance on May 3, 2024.

This was a complex investigation which included multiple jurisdictions. The primary investigator’s dedication and investigative skills were paramount in identifying the suspect, says Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha Media Relations Officer.

Anyone who is a victim of fraud is encouraged to contact their local police and make a report.

For media inquiries contact:
Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha
Surrey RCMP Media Relations Unit
Office: 604-599-7776
Email: surrey_media_relations@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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