Two Romanian men charged in York Region ATM cash-trap scheme

Cops say suspects used double-sided tape 'inside the cash-dispensing slot, preventing victims from fully or partially retrieving' their money

Published Aug 13, 2026  •  Last updated 2 hours ago  •  1 minute read

Razvan Zenica, left, and Vasile Stoean. Photo by Handout /York Regional Police

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Two men from Romania have been arrested and charged after police north of Toronto launched an investigation into an ATM scheme.

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York Regional Police said investigators with the Financial Crimes Unit received 14 reports from banks between June 17 and July 27 involving what they called “cash-trap events,” where an apparatus was installed on ATMs.

Victims couldn’t retrieve their money

“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,” police said in a statement.

“The suspects would then return to the ATM to remove the trapped money.”

Police said two suspects were arrested Aug. 6.

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During the investigation, officers located and seized a large quantity of double-sided tape, along with fabricated metal slides believed to have been used to make the cash-trap devices, cops said.

Razvan Zenica, 41, has been charged with 13 counts each of theft under $5,000 and mischief under $5,000.

Vasile Stoean, 52, has been charged with six counts each of theft under $5,000 and mischief under $5,000.

May be additional victims

Investigators released images of both suspects as police said the pair were known to travel throughout southwestern Ontario 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,” cops said.

Police ask anyone with information to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612, or leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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