Arrests Made in ATM Cash Traps Investigations

Investigators with York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) have laid multiple charges against two suspects in connection with cash-removal apparatus installed which tampered automated teller machines (ATM).

Between June 17, and July 27, 2026, financial institutions in York Region reported 14 cash-trap events. In these incidents, the suspects attended ATMs and installed double-sided adhesive tape inside the cash-dispensing slot, preventing victims from fully or partially retrieving their cash. The suspects would then return to the ATM to remove the trapped money.

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, two suspects were arrested. During the investigation, officers located and seized a large quantity of double-sided tape, along with fabricated metal slides believed to have been used in the making of the cash-trap devices.

Razvan ZENICA, 41, from Romania has been charged with 13 counts of Theft Under $5000 and 13 counts of Mischief Under $5000.

Vasile STOEAN, 52, from Romania has been charged with six counts of Theft Under $5000 and six counts of Mischief Under $5000.

Investigators are releasing both suspect images, as they were known to travel through the southwestern Ontario area, and believe there may be additional victims.

If you observe anything suspicious or believe an ATM has been tampered with, please report it to police and notify the financial institution immediately.

When using an ATM, always confirm that the amount of cash dispensed matches the amount you requested to withdraw. If the cash does not dispense, or if only a partial amount is dispensed, do not leave the area until you have contacted the financial institution and reported the incident.

Members of the public are also encouraged to consider using a teller at a financial institution, where available, as a safer option.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.