Durham Regional Police are searching for four male suspects believed to be responsible for a large number of break-and-enter incidents in Whitby, following a months-long investigation into an organized crime group targeting homes in the area.
Police say the Whitby break-and-enter investigation began after officers from the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch identified a pattern of residential break-ins occurring between November 2025 and February 2026. Investigators believe the suspects are linked to at least 20 separate break-and-enter incidents during that period.
As the investigation progressed, police launched Project Sonoma, a targeted operation aimed at dismantling the group believed to be responsible for the crimes. According to investigators, the suspects used a similar method in many of the incidents. Police say the group would typically gain entry into homes by smashing rear sliding glass doors, allowing them to quickly access the property.
Once inside, investigators say the suspects often headed directly to the master bedroom, where they searched for high-value items such as jewelry, cash, and other valuables. Police believe the suspects were specifically targeting these areas of homes in order to quickly steal valuable property before leaving the scene.
Durham Regional Police have now identified four suspects believed to be involved in the break-and-enter spree. Authorities say the suspects are facing numerous charges related to the incidents.
Ion Dulceanu, 25, of Toronto, is wanted for 20 counts of break-and-enter.
Madalin-Florin Moldoveanu, 31, of Toronto, is also wanted for 20 counts of break-and-enter.
Ionel Dumitru, 52, of Toronto, is wanted for 20 counts of break-and-enter as well.
A fourth suspect, Victor Duduianu, 55, of Oshawa, is currently in custody with another police service but is also wanted by Durham Regional Police for 20 counts of break-and-enter related to the Whitby incidents.
Investigators say the suspects are also facing charges with several other police services across Ontario for similar crimes. According to police, Moldoveanu, Dulceanu, and Duduianu are facing at least 21 charges with Halton Regional Police related to similar break-and-enter offences.
In addition, Dumitru and Duduianu are facing at least six charges with York Regional Police. Authorities say the same group is also connected to at least 39 charges laid by the Toronto Police Service related to similar break-ins.
Durham Regional Police are urging the suspects to contact legal counsel and turn themselves in to police immediately.
Investigators are also warning that anyone who helps the suspects evade police could face criminal charges. Police say assisting a wanted person is considered an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and individuals who help suspects avoid arrest may be prosecuted.
Police are asking members of the public who may have information related to the break-ins to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in cell phone footage, dashcam recordings, or surveillance video that may help identify the suspects or their movements.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Eid of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1832.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information assists police.
Authorities remind the public that the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
