Seven men charged in a major jewellery heist in Vaughan, Ontario

Investigators working out of the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged seven people and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating another six other individuals wanted in connection with an organized crime ring, targeting jewelry businesses and owners across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

On Sunday, May 23, 2010, two victims left their Innisfil jewelry business and drove to their home in the City of Vaughan. Upon arriving home at approximately 8 p.m., the victims parked their car inside the garage. Four masked men then ran inside, punctured the victims’ car tire with a knife and robbed them of a large quantity of jewelry. The victims received minor injuries as a result of the incident.
 

Through investigation, 13 suspects have been identified in connection with this and at least ten other incidents in York Region. In addition, these suspects are believed to be responsible for at least two Toronto incidents, two Waterloo incidents and one in Durham Region. Seven suspects are already in custody, however six remain outstanding.
 

CHARGED:
 

• Antonio GOMEZ DUARTE, 42, of Toronto

• Nidia GOMEZ DUARTE, 36, of Toronto

• Aldo Alfonso MANCIPE AGUIRRE, 32, of Toronto

• Luis SOTO CORTES, 43, of Toronto

• Lilia URIBE, 29, of Toronto

• Jose Jaer BOTERO MORALES, 46, of Toronto

• Maria Del Carmen MEJIA DIAZ, 48, of Toronto

WANTED:
 

• (Victor) Eduardo (PADRON) GARCIA MORENO, 35

• Javier Francisco ROJAS ARDILA, 32

• Yimy ORJUELA HURTADO, 35

• Hector Pavel SORIANO NOVA, 34

• Piedad Del Carmen PEREZ, 29

• Cesar Augusto PRIETO TORRES, 31

• All of no fixed address

These individuals are facing various criminal charges including Robbery, Disguise with Intent, Conspiracy to Commit robbery, Theft Under $5000, Conspiracy to Commit Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Breach of Recognizance, Dangerous Driving, Possession of Break and Enter Tools and Mischief. All accused have been held in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Wednesday, July 7, 2010.
 

Investigators are seeking public assistance in locating the six outstanding suspects. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these suspects is asked to call police.